Ras Al Khaimah welcomes close to 110,000 visitors in July. Report follows the opening of border restrictions from the UK, with the UAE lowered to an amber rating

Visitor satisfaction at an all-time high with score of 98% for H1 2021, according to Nielsen data

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced the highest number of visitors ever to the Emirate, with an impressive 109,048 arrivals in July.

Bolstered by the opening of the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton at the beginning of July, which welcomed more than 6,000 guests during its first four weeks of operations, the report follows the easing of border restrictions from the UK, with the UAE moving to the Amber List as of Sunday 8th August.

The bumper month follows a healthy H1 performance for the Emirate, as it welcomed over 223,580 international visitors and 206,844 UAE residents, a total increase of almost 40% vs 2020 (39.5%) between January-June. The Emirate also achieved a visitor satisfaction score of 98% for the first half of 2021, the highest ever percentage reported for the destination, according to Nielsen, along with the highest net promoter score among international visitors recorded over recent years.

Commenting on the record-breaking July figures, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is a case study in successful COVID-19 management, with thoughtful and progressive initiatives ranging from robust safety measures, vaccination drives for travel and tourism workers, and free return PCR testing for international visitors, to targeted destination campaigns and a renewed focus on aviation collaborations. The combination of all these measures has led to steady and sustained recovery for the destination and renewed confidence for our tourism industry.”

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the fastest growing destinations in the region. It was named the Gulf Tourism Capital for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council and set a global benchmark in becoming the first city in the world to secure the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label and World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel Stamp, marking a key step in its tourism recovery. Meanwhile, the Emirate’s natural topography – the sea, desert and spectacular mountains – has proven extremely appealing for those seeking safe and expansive experiences in the new normal of travel, as has its portfolio of global hospitality brands for those looking to relax and unwind.

Remaining resilient throughout the pandemic, Ras Al Khaimah’s approx. 25% drop in visitors was around three times less severe than the global average at the virus’ peak. Its latest record-breaking July visitor numbers are a strong indication of continued recovery for the scenic Emirate. According to Colliers’ MENA Hotels Monthly Market Forecast, which launched at the beginning of July, Ras Al Khaimah’s occupancy is expected to reach 89 percent in 2021, up 27 percent on 2020. The Emirate led the region in ADR (average daily rate) and RevPAR (revenue per available room) in 2020 and has witnessed the same healthy performance in ADR and RevPAR figures this year.

“We expect further growth for H2 2021, especially with the latest announcement that the UAE is now on the UK’s amber list, as well as our recent announcement of over 20 sustainable tourism development initiatives. We are investing half a billion dirhams into the destination, a move that includes several new nature-based sustainable projects on Jebel Jais that are due to open in the coming months,” continued Phillips.

Both international and domestic visitors are invited to take advantage of the Emirate’s summer WANASA campaign, which includes a 40 percent discount on admission to Dubai Parks and Resorts and free stays for guests aged 12 and under when booking three nights or more at participating hotels. There will also be guaranteed prizes including complimentary tickets for Dubai Parks & Resorts and attractions in Ras Al Khaimah, free room nights and upgrades across the Emirate’s world-class hotels, and discounts on local dining until 30th September.