Ras Al Khaimah's Tourism Sector Breaks Record With 1.22 Million Visitors in 2023

08 Jan, 2024: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced its most successful year in tourism to date, with a remarkable achievement of hosting a record-breaking 1.22 million visitors in 2023. The announcement made in a press release published by RAKTDA, marks an 8% increase from the figures recorded in 2022, showcasing the continuous growth of tourism in the Emirate. The positive trajectory is further emphasised by a notable 24% year-on-year surge in international visitors, underlining Ras Al Khaimah's growing appeal on the global tourism stage. With this expansion, the Emirate experienced a noteworthy upswing in hotel occupancy rates, achieving an impressive 74%, signifying a year-on-year increase of 12 percentage points.

The strong achievements are emphasised by RAKTDA's strategic expansion strategies. Ranging from investments in tourism infrastructure, focused endeavours to attract increased visitors, to the establishment of a sustainability-centric ecosystem, Ras Al Khaimah consistently strengthens its standing as a forward-looking destination.

Commenting on Ras Al Khaimah’s record-breaking 2023, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said in the press release, “It has been a great year for our Emirate, one that clearly set the groundwork for sustainable growth and development in Ras Al Khaimah.” He further added, “Despite global challenges that have impacted our industry, we remained agile and resilient as a tourism community, working together to deliver a destination offering that would resonate with our visitors and residents alike. From investing in infrastructure and staging world-class events to making our Emirate sustainable and accessible to all, Ras Al Khaimah is firmly on the path for continued success in 2024 and beyond.”

By virtue of Ras Al Khaimah sharing its border with the Sultanate of Oman, RAKTDA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group). This collaboration is geared towards engaging in cross-destination tourism initiatives that will yield mutual benefits for both regions. This groundbreaking strategic partnership is unique in its approach, with the far-reaching goal of establishing Ras Al Khaimah and Oman’s Musandam region as premier global tourism destinations in the Middle East. The initiative envisions providing travellers with opportunities to explore both locations within a single trip, enhancing the allure and accessibility of these distinctive destinations.

With each passing year, Ras Al Khaimah solidifies its status as a must-visit destination, leaving an indelible mark on the global tourism landscape. The record-breaking numbers not only celebrate the present success but also set the stage for continued growth and innovation in Ras Al Khaimah's tourism sector.