Though the current situation has put a damper on the progress of travel and tourism around the world, it cannot be denied that Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) enjoyed an excellent 2019. With over 1.12 million visitors, the hotels enjoyed an occupancy of 74 per cent and the emirate ultimately benefitted with the highest RevPar in the region, according to STR reports.
A number of hotels are also expected to open later this year, including the Park Inn by Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island and InterContinental Mina Al Arab.
Earlier this year, we spoke to Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, at the official launch of Jais Adventure Peak, a collection of iconic adventure attractions on the UAE’s highest mountain, Jebel Jais.
The emirate’s latest adventure tourism offering includes the Jebel Jais Flight, Jais Sky Tour and Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, in addition to the brand new Jais Adventure Center and Jais Sky Maze.
Philips says, “The eagerly anticipated launch of the Jais Adventure Peak will not only add to the emirate’s diverse hospitality offering but will also elevate the undeniable appeal of Jebel Jais itself. The Jais Adventure Peak captures Ras Al Khaimah’s adventurous spirit through a series of adrenaline-pumping experiences that will leave a lasting impression on our guests and unforgettable memories; everything from the views they will take in as they make their way up to the Adventure Peak to the welcoming staff on-hand with information, the various activities, and most importantly the sustainable yet unique adventure attractions themselves.”
The newly launched Jais Sky Maze – the latest addition to the Jebel Jais Adventure Peak’s suite of attractions, promises a thrilling experience suspended 10 metres above ground. Spanning two levels, the Jais Sky Maze calls out to adventure seekers of all ages to take to the sky and navigate through several obstacles including rope swings, wobbly bridges, swinging loops and more. The team will be on-hand to guide visitors throughout the experience, that lasts an hour and is ideal for groups of up to 15 people per session. Toro Verde’s skilled team ensures the highest safety standards are adhered to across the suite of activities, adopting international best practice regarding stringent safety measures and equipment inspections.
Apart from the key adventure angle, however, Ras Al Khaimah will also focus on its Mice business this year as well as cultural tourism, Philips tells TTN.
“We have opened a brand-new convention centre, the Hamra International Convention Center, located right on the beach and have been able to host a lot of weddings, especially Indian weddings.”
RAKTDA has also launched the highest conference room in the UAE, a trailer that has been converted into a board room and the views it affords trumps any stuffy indoor conference room. The trailer is also part of the Jais Adventure Peak and may be surrounded by food trucks of choice should a luxury launch or a creative outdoor event would like to book the place out.
“Apart from Mice travel, we are also focusing on cultural tourism as Ras Al Khaimah has over 7,000 years of history and we're ready to showcase it to the world.”