Ras Al Khaimah eyes 30 pc growth in Indian arrivals in 2017

Ras Al Khaimah is eyeing 30 per cent growth in visitor arrivals from India in 2017 as it undertakes a slew of initiatives to promote itself as a preferred destination.
India is the fourth largest source market for Ras Al Khaimah, which is one of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates.
"We are targeting 30 per cent growth from India in 2017. In 2016, over 37,000 visitors from India visited us", Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority CEO Haitham Mattar told PTI.
India being an important source market, is expected to be an important contributor to the emirate's vision to attract one million visitors by the end of 2018, he added.

India ranks as the fourth largest source market for the destination after Germany, United Kingdom and Russia and the average stay of Indian visitors is two and half nights, Mattar said.
"The main drivers for growth are great value for money that Ras Al Khaimah provides like adventure activities, natural attractions, being a family destination along with a growing trend of MICE and weddings there", he added.

"Our aim is to promote activities and events with a view to encourage Indian visitors to lengthen their stay, Mattar said.
Established in May 2011, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority's mandate is to develop the emirate's tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a leading destination for leisure and business travel.

The authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate's tourism and hospitality industry.