Tourism
From The Report: Ras Al Khaimah 2012
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Though one of the smaller emirates in the UAE, RAK is developing as a tourism destination. The emirate received 835,200 tourists in 2011, a significant increase over the previous year, which saw 600,000 visitors. There are hopes that these figures will continue to rise to reach 1.2m by 2013. To facilitate this, RAK International Airport is currently being expanded at a cost of $27m. New runways are being built and passenger and cargo terminals are being extended. The RAK Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA) has also set a target to add 10,000 hotel rooms by 2016. Going forward, the emirate is looking to capitalise on cruise tourism by creating tailor-made excursions for cruise arrivals, who are expected to exceed 20,000 in the 2012-13 season. This chapter includes an interview with Victor Louis, COO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Moving up the ranks: Adding new infrastructure and building awareness to ensure continued growth
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Though one of the less well known emirates in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah is quickly developing as a tourism destination. Indeed, tourism has been back on a healthy path since 2010, and industry leaders expect further growth in the coming years. The local economy overall is benefitting from the uptick in visitors as new hotels are being built. Operators in the transport sector are taking cooperative measures, such as charter flights and complimentary airport bus services, to facilitate the ease of…

Interview

OBG talks to Victor A Louis, COO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA), and CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Hospitality Group
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Interview: Victor A Louis How are recent government funds being allocated towards developing new tourism projects? VICTOR A LOUIS: Through further strategic review, we have identified key segments that will boost the emirate’s tourism attractions. The government has assigned to Ras Al Khaimah TDA a sum of $500m until 2013 to develop and increase the number of tourism projects in the emirate. At the moment, funds are being allocated for the final phase of the Waldorf Astoria hotel. We have also…

Analysis

Clear goals: Authorities aim for steady expansion
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The tourism sector is growing and changing rapidly. Not only are more tourists travelling to the emirate, tourism infrastructure is also being expanded. The government has recognised the importance and potential of transforming the sector and has recently taken steps to ensure continued and steady growth. In May 2011 the government set up the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAK TDA). The new organisation has the responsibility of promoting the emirate as a vacation destination and…