61% surge in Indian visitors to Ras Al Khaimah in Sept

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) recorded a 22 per cent rise in Indian hotel guests between January and September 2016 compared to the same period in 2015. During September, visitors from India increased by 61 per cent against the same month last year. With India ranked as the emirate’s fourth largest international source market, Ras Al Khaimah TDA has overseen extensive trade and promotional activities to ensure continued growth from the Sub-continent. “Ras Al Khaimah is perfectly positioned to attract more visitors from India, and is only 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The destination boasts unique natural landscapes including 64km pristine beaches, desert, mountains, and adventure, together with world class hotels in a safe environment – we have everything that the outbound Indian market looks for in a destination,” said Haitham Mattar, CEO of RAKTDA. As part of its strategy to seize new opportunities and further nuture Indian arrivals, RAKTDA hosted pre- and post- familiarisation trips to coincide with the Travel Agents Association of India’s (TAAI) 63rd Annual Convention & Exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, where Mattar participated on a panel focusing on key travel trends affecting the Indian outbound market.
A total of 72 of India’s leading travel agents, ranging from first-timers to repeat visitors, were hosted on a bespoke itinerary designed to highlight the range of luxurious properties such as Marjan Island Resort & Spa, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Resort and Spa Marjan Island, and Hilton Al Hamra Beach and Golf Resort.
Conceived to provide agents with first-hand experience of the emirate and develop knowledge of the destination’s diverse tourism products, the itinerary included a luxurious BBQ dinner at Bedoiun Oasis Desert Camp.