RAK claims AED1 billion in 2014 tourism revenues

A 72% increase in the number of guest nights in the emirate helped Ras Al Khaimah top AED1 billion (US $272.2 million) in tourism revenues in 2014, officials have claimed.

According to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA), the emirate achieved 2.14 million guest nights last year, on the back of the opening of properties such as Rixos Bab Al Bahr Resort, Marjan Island Resort and Spa and the Double Tree by Hilton Resort and Spa.

"2014 proved to be a historic year for Ras Al Khaimah tourism, with a number of important landmarks achieved,” said RAK TDA chief executive Steven Rice.

“Our guest night growth in particular was especially strong and even exceeded our ambitious forecast at the start of 2014, and Ras Al Khaimah is now proving to be a hit with both domestic holiday makers as well as the wider international community.

“Overall our natural assets of beach and nature combined with the great portfolio of world-class hotel brands present in the emirate has given Ras Al Khaimah a really strong platform for further growth in 2015 and beyond."

According to the authority, the fortunes of Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry were boosted by media coverage featuring Ras Al Khaimah, which it claims exceeded 1.3 billion views, as well as the volume of direct contacts with travel trade representatives to over 7500

It also pointed out that visits to the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism website increased by 117% compared to the previous year.