Following recent news that the Ras Al Khaimah Development Authority (RAKTDA) opened its Nordic office in Stockholm, the Middle Eastern tourism association has revealed its has made great headway promoting Ras Al Khaimah as attractive holiday destinations for Europeans. 

By putting together a series of “targeted industry initiatives” between January and May 2018, RAKTDA has been able to visit more than 4,000 travel agents in 45 European cities, the organisation has reported a 28% rise  in visitors from the continent.

German travellers are a key demographic for Ras Al Khaimah, and with that in mind, RAKTDA took its road show into Germany and Switzerland last week, where RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar, visited Hanover, Mannheim, Nuremburg and Zurich to meet with agents and regional industry leaders .

“1 million visitors by the end of 2018 and 3 million by 2025”

Discussing the promotional trip, Mattar said: “We have seen significant growth in European Markets, particularly in the first part of this year which was up 28% when compared to the same period in 2017.  As we look towards our goal of 1 million visitors by the end of 2018 and 3 million by 2025, it’s important that we maintain this momentum.

As such, we are investing in promoting our offer across the European market. Our incredible experiences, such as the world’s longest zip-line, have helped put Ras Al Khaimah on the world map, but we need to continue to showcase the diversity of the destination to our core audiences in Europe.”

Other important markets for Ras Al Khaimah include the UK, Nordics, Poland and the Czech Republic and visitors from these countries have shown a steady increase in recent years.

Mattar closed his comments saying: “Our ongoing roadshow programme has taken Ras Al Khaimah to Ukraine, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Russia, UK, culminating in Germany and Switzerland last week and is a great vehicle to tell the story of the accessible Arabian hospitality and year round sunshine we offer visitors in Europe and beyond.”