Exclusive Interview
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is not just a place – it’s a journey! With its unique combination of mountains, coastal beaches, desert, pearls and many more RAK is one of the perfect destinations for both leisure and adventure. At the Arab Aviation Summit 2023, Mr. Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) interacts with Vishal Kashyap, Managing Editor, Aviation World and discussed on key points towards Introduction to RAK, its future plans and aviation strategies. Excerpts…
For RAK, 2022 has been a significant year with 1.13 million tourist footfall. What are the projections for 2023?
2022 has indeed been a momentous year for Ras Al Khaimah. Achieving our highest ever annual visitor numbers with 1.13M overnight arrivals in 2022 is an important step in driving the Emirate’s continued growth as a destination of the future, in addition to being recognised in Time magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2022 and CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023.
This strong performance is thanks to a proactive, future-forward and agile investment and development strategy, and guides our ultimate goal of welcoming 3 million visitors annually by 2030.
Which country caters to a large number of tourists to RAK?
Our key source markets include Kazakhstan, Russia, United Kingdom, Germany, India and Czech Republic – representing a 40% year-on-year increase in all international visitors last year.
RAK Int. Airport mainly operates LCCs. With Qatar starting flights from Nov 23 onwards, do you look forward to attracting more FSCs?
We are always pleased to see new flight routes and connections being added to our local airport. While it is true that Ras Al Khaimah International Airport currently operates mainly low-cost carriers, we are always looking to attract a broader range of airlines, including full-service carriers.
The announcement of Qatar Airways starting flights to Ras Al Khaimah from November 2023 onwards is exciting news for us as it not only opens up a new route but also gives us the opportunity to attract more full-service carriers to our airport. We believe that this new connection with Qatar Airways will provide a valuable link, connecting our city with more international destinations, and potentially attracting more travellers.
We are confident that our efforts in promoting Ras Al Khaimah as an attractive destination combined with the increased connectivity from our airport will lead to more full-service carriers considering operating to and from our airport.
What is the overall growth plan for increase in number of hotel rooms, tourist destinations, malls, shopping destination etc.
As one of the fasting growing destinations in the region, we are actively accelerating our tourism and hospitality offerings. Our hospitality inventory– reaching 8,000 keys in 2022 –is set to further expand with an additional 6,533 keys from 19 upcoming properties, including leading brands like Marriott, Anantara, Nobu and Sofitel. These mark an 82% increase versus current inventory – one of the highest development rates in the UAE. A major addition will be the multi-billion-dollar integrated resort development in partnership with Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding. As the largest-of-its-kind direct foreign tourism investment project in Ras Al Khaimah,the property is set to attract a new segment of traveller to the Emirate, with 1,000+ rooms, shopping, meeting and convention facilities, spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, extensive entertainment choices, and a gaming area.
India is one of your key markets. What are the plans in terms of any road shows or events lined for year ahead?
India is a very important market for us. We have previously concentrated our efforts in major cities, but to tap into India’s immense potential, it is essential for us to expand our reach. This year we are targeting 28 cities with good flight connectivity, a receptive travel audience and engaged trade partners. One of our primary goals is to engage with travel agents and tour operators in India, to ensure that they are well-informed about the tourism offerings of Ras Al Khaimah. To that end, we have roadshows planned in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Kolkata to name a few. By being present in more cities, we aim to enhance our outreach and drive growth in the Indian market.
What steps are being taken by RAKTDA to obtain “Sustainable Tourism Destination” certificate?
Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do in Ras Al Khaimah. Placing all aspects of sustainability at the centre of our development and investment strategies, we have committed AED 500 million for the development of over 20 purpose-driven tourism projects that will enhance our natural environment in partnership. We are also investing in Cultural Conservation, with four tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites; and diversifying our portfolio with sustainable accommodation on Jebel Jais to provide a mountain retreat experience with guided treks, mindful pursuits and creative experiences.
Our measured approach also includes working with Earth Check to co-create genuine sustainable practices. We recently registered 30 hotels and attractions for the process and – owing to the success of showcasing our commitment towards a sustainability pathway – received the Bronze certification. Our “Green Hotels Rating” initiative works in parallel to encourage 100% integrated sustainability across our hotel partners, and our Tourism Business Accreditation Programme provides a management framework to help individual businesses grow their sustainability efforts as a means of benchmarking their performance. We anticipate over 20 businesses will receive tourism certifications in the first year. And finally, our Destination Certification Programme provides a firm basis for action on sustainable management.
