Retaining focus on sustainability, the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah says it received a record number of arrivals in 2022, registering a strong growth over the preceding year.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) says it received its highest ever annual visitor numbers, over 1.13 million overnight arrivals in 2022, registering an increase of 15.6 pc over the total number in 2021 and also higher than the pre-pandemic arrivals. The emirate saw a 40 pc rise in international visitors, which RAKTDA says was driven by over 90 events including roadshows across 24 markets.

According to a press statement, despite geopolitical and economic challenges, Ras Al Khaimah has become one of the fastest destinations to bounce back. The statement adds that besides receiving the highest number of tourists ever, in 2022, the ‘Nature Emirate’ also launched

Balanced Tourism, its roadmap to becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025.

It also announced the largest foreign direct tourism investment project in partnership with Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding and registered a 17 pc growth in hotel room supply that now exceeds 8,000 keys. RAKTDA says that it is set to add another 5,867 keys in the next few years.

“It has been quite a year. From January’s announcement of the multibillion-dollar integrated Wynn resort – a project that will usher in a new era of economic development through tourism – to securing two Guinness World Record titles for our New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display, we have shown just how dynamic we are as a destination. Our success has been led by our agility and responsiveness – and the fact we think like a community, shaping our experiences to appeal to visitors and residents. With a determined focus on diversification, accessibility and sustainability, we are on track for even bigger things in 2023,” says Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA.

The statement says that it recorded a strong performance in December in which the Emirate welcomed its highest ever footfall in one month, with over 128,000 visitor arrivals, representing a 23 pc increase over December 2021.

New hotels and resorts opened in 2022, increasing the Emirate’s inventory by 17 pc to reach over 8,000 keys. The Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Mövenpick and Radisson brands entered the destination for the first time with the opening of the InterContinental Mina Al Arab, Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island and the Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island.