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Value-for-money Ras Al Khaimah attracts Brit tourists

ras al khaimah - UK currently ranks as the second key international source market for RAK after Germany

The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has seen an increase of 27 per cent in visitors from the UK between January and October 2016, versus the same period last year.

This is in line with the efforts of the Tourism Development Authority to develop the emirate's tourism infrastructure and initiate its domestic and overseas promotions.

With a strong presence at the World Travel Market exhibition in London last week, the Authority demonstrated its commitment to the UK market.

Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said the UK continues to be an important source market, currently ranking as the second key international source market for RAK, after Germany.

"The UAE is one of the Brits' favourite destinations and RAK has been gaining popularity. The emirate is located only 45 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and offers beautiful nature and culture-based activities," he said.

Tour operator partners in the UK have reported that RAK is now their second-most popular emirate for holiday bookings after Dubai, he added.
People are looking for great value and affordable luxury and RAK is ideally positioned for what the UK traveller now seeks - affordable beach and sunny winter holidays in a safe destination, he noted.

"By continuing to offer value for money, winter sun and 5-star hotels at 4-star prices in an accessible, safe and conveniently-located destination, we have a compelling offering," Mattar said.

The emirate offers more beyond traditional sun and beach holidays, Mattar explained. "Tapping into the potential of the global adventure tourism industry, RAK TDA launched the Via Ferrata climbing path and zipline attraction in Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE."

The product is the first of several adventure tourism products planned for the mountains, apart from an adventure park, viewing decks, a luxury camp and the longest zipline in the world to open in Q4 2017, he added.

"RAK's 64 kilometres of beaches, world-class hotels and range of heritage and adventure attractions are geared towards families, active adventurers, cultural explorers and wellness seekers from all over the world."

These are added to segmented adventure through mountain activities, 7,000 years of historic sights as well as other unique features such as hot springs and access to untouched nature, he informed. "We are seeing an increased interest in authentic cultural experiences and Ras Al Khaimah is a true gateway to accessible Arabia."

- ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com