Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has achieved its highest-ever half-year arrival numbers, reporting a record-breaking first six months. Between January and June 2023, the Emirate welcomed 600,000 visitors, an increase of 14.8 per cent compared to H1 2022. The half-year period also saw the highest-ever tourism-related revenue generated. In June 2023, the Emirate achieved a strong performance, with over 102,900 visitor arrivals reported, representing a 39.6 per cent increase versus June 2022. Occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR) also saw an uplift of 33.2 per cent and 6.7 per cent, respectively, while tourism-related revenue grew by 64.7 per cent. International tourism rebound accounted for over 52 per cent of all visitor arrivals in the destination during the first half of the year. New hotel brands introduced in the Emirate in 2022 resulted in significant demand growth (room nights) with a year-on-year increase of +33.6 per cent. International incentive groups drove a 26 per cent increase in MICE room nights versus H1 2022.
Commenting on the development, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), said, “2023 is shaping up to be the Emirate’s best year to date, with our first half results proving the efficacy of moving fast, staying relevant and just getting things done. It’s essential we remain agile and continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and create diverse and inspiring experiences for all. We have big ambitions and are confident that we will exceed our targets for 2023”.
Currently, India is a top source market for Sentosa and accounts for nearly a third of overseas visitors to Sentosa Island for the first half of 2023. The Sentosa Development Corporation has seen a total of 13 million visitors to Sentosa Island for the period April 2022 to March 2023. This is an increase of 38 per cent when compared with the total visitation in the same period in the previous year.
The Emirate also welcomed four luxury cruise liners and received six calls, with over 2,500 passengers and crew. One of the largest ships ever to arrive in the Emirate, the Azamara Quest, was among them. The destination already confirmed 14 luxury cruise calls for next season, with expectations of welcoming 20 by 2025/2026 and 50 by 2030/2031. Weddings generated a 300 per cent increase in revenue in H1 2023, with the expectation of continued growth in H2. An all-new Wedding Certification Programme, launching in September, will enable seamless, quick, and easy wedding planning in Ras Al Khaimah. The Authority also announced a series of comprehensive incentive packages for couples, wedding planners, and certified venues in parallel.
