RAS AL KHAIMAH (RAK) in the UAE ended the third quarter of 2014 by clocking in more than 1.47 million guest nights.
Last year, the one million barrier was not broken until November, demonstrating the growth being experienced by the emirate, which has 65 km of prime beach coastline.Steven Rice, chief executive officer of RAK Tourism and Development Authority (TDA), tells TTN that the emirate may well be transforming into an adventure sports haven. “Zip-lining on the mountains may be on the cards for Ras Al Khaimah. It’s not confirmed yet and we’re still consulting specialists on the matter, but we are looking at the possibility of being able to run a commercial zip-lining venture out in the open,” he says.“Our percentage growth in guest nights for the third quarter of 2014 compared to the same period last year was 72 per cent. We are also seeing significant increases in the number of people searching for Ras Al Khaimah on Google, in visits to our website and in the levels of engagement via our social media presence. In addition, hotel room revenue increased in the third quarter of 2014 by 47 per cent compared to last year,” he adds.According to Smith Travel Research report for the month of July, Ras Al Khaimah’s average daily room was 19 per cent higher than Abu Dhabi, supported by new openings on Al Marjan Island and Ras Al Khaimah Waldorf Astoria, the Hilton luxury brand’s first property in the UAE. Over Eid Al Adha, Ras Al Khaimah attracted over 63,870 guest nights in five days. Domestic tourists, accounted for 32 per cent, UK 12 per cent, Russia 11 per cent and Germany 10 per cent.