Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces its highest-ever annual visitor numbers, with the Emirate welcoming over 1.13M overnight arrivals in 2022, a total increase of 15.6% vs 2021.

In addition to its record visitor numbers, key 2022 achievements include:

• Launched Balanced Tourism – its roadmap to becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025
• Announced the largest foreign direct tourism investment project in partnership with Wynn Resorts, Marjan and RAK Hospitality Holding
• Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), Mövenpick and Radisson brands entered the destination for the first time, marking a 17% annual growth in hotel supply to over 8,000 keys
• 5,867 keys scheduled to be added over the next few years, a 70% increase on current inventory – among the highest growth rates in the UAE
• 40% increase in international visitors driven by 90+ roadshows, trade fairs, workshops and media events across 24 markets
• Recognition in Time magazine as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2022 and CNN Travel’s best destinations to visit in 2023
• Opened new attractions, including Jais Sledder, which has seen more than 100,000 visitors since its February opening, and the longest developed hiking trails in the Emirate
• Achieved a visitor satisfaction score (NPS) of over 80% – far above the industry average of 51
• Hosted over 50 events including the prestigious Global Citizen Forum, 15^th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour, and secured the 2023 Minifootball (WMF) World Cup for the first time in the UAE
• Two Guinness World Record titles at the New Year’s Eve fireworks and drone display
• Authority named one of the Top 10 Great Places to Work in the Middle East 2022

Commenting on the Emirate’s strong tourism performance in 2022, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “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.”