The Emirate marks the highest number of visitors ever recorded, attracting nearly 200,000 tourists

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 8th November 2015: Today Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced a 14 percent increase in visitor numbers in Q3 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. 

According to recent statistics, Ras Al Khaimah Toursim Development Authority welcomed nearly 200,000 visitors in its third quarter. Recognised as one of the fastest growing emirates, reports show record growth across key indicators including hotel guests, room revenues, F&B revenues and occupancy rates. 

Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: "These figures are extremely encouraging as we work towards our target of one million visitors by the end of 2018. We continue to nurture growth from our top five source markets, including the UAE, Germany, UK, Russia and India. As the destination gains global appeal, we plan to steadily diversify our source markets through strategic global partnership with leading industry stakeholders, repositioning the emirate on the world tourism stage."

Compared to the same period in 2014, hotels in the emirate reported:

- Significant growth in total revenues of AED 36.7 million (USD 10 million), up by 22 percent on Q3 2014;

- A 14 percent increase in occupancy rates, up from 51 percent to 58 percent in 2015; 

- Record increase in room revenues of 31 percent to AED123.7m (US$33.7m); 

- A 36 percent increase in revenue per available room to AED 289.91 (USD 78.93);

- Average daily rate growth of 19 percent on Q3 2014;

- Significant growth in F&B revenues to AED 67.9 million (US$18.5m), up by 10 percent on Q3 2014.

"We are enjoying impressive economic growth under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, with the emirate already providing new and unique opportunities in tourism and trade. As the emirate continues with its expansion plans to meet ambitious growth targets, we continue to diversify our rich offering through developing retail, dining, cruise, entertainment, and MICE facilities, to further build Ras Al Khaimah's position as a leading destination for business and leisure," said Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah TDA.

Year-to-date the UAE remains a key source market for Ras Al Khaimah at 49%, showing co
ntinued sustainable growth. Germany remains the number one international inbound market with the UK moving up to second place overtaking Russia for international visitors. Russia remains strong at 4.6% whilst India shows signs of steady growth at 4.3%

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority 
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of 1 million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate's tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. 

Ras Al Khaimah's Tourism Development Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate's tourism and hospitality industry. The authority promotes the tourism sector through a variety of activities including: research and analysis of future tourism projects and current trends; representation of Ras Al Khaimah at local and international travel shows as well as introductory workshops and speaking engagements to the international travel trade industry. 

About Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and is the perfect getaway for business, leisure, adventure, and luxury travel. The emirate has over 7,000 years of fascinating history, culture and is home to the highest mountain in the UAE. With year-long sunshine and 62 kilometres of white sandy beaches, Ras Al Khaimah has enjoyed a steady stream of visitors from within the region and beyond in recent years. It is a destination offering views of the terracotta deserts and an international gourmet experience.  It also promises activities to suit adventure-seekers, spa-goers in addition to the exceptional experiences available at the world-class resorts.

To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah visit us at:
www.rasalkahimahtourism.com www.facebook.com/visitrasalkhaimah www.youtube.com/visitrasalkhaimah https://twitter.com/raktourism 

© Press Release 2015