Ras Al Khaimah spirals up Indian travellers’ wishlist. Team Viva reports
If you want an exotic locale and surprise value for your destination wedding, then head to Ras Al Khaimah. With over 7,000 years of fascinating history and culture, terracotta deserts, mountains and coastline in the same breath and a short hop from Dubai, this is a perfect getaway for Indians, who have had enough of UAE’s most famous address. Just 45 minutes from Dubai, the Ras Al Khaismah Tourism Development Authority offers an entirely unique experience from its neighboring Emirates. CEO of RAKTDA Haitham Mattar says, “Indians spend more on destination weddings and Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect destination. The best partIJ We are offering ultra-inclusive and five-star hotels at four star prices. Besides, it is an affordable beach or winter sun destination compared to Dubai. Each hotel has something different to offer, be it for guests looking for family time, pampering retreat or indulgent luxury. Our aim is to promote the full breadth of unique activities and events that can be enjoyed there so that Indian travellers lengthen their stay. India, being a significant source market, is expected to be an important contributor to the Emirate’s vision to attract one million visitors by end of 2018.” 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-a-half nights, Mattar adds.
Some of the iconic properties like Waldorf Astoria and the luxurious Banyan Tree have been home to some high-profile Indian weddings in Ras Al Khaimah. Mattar says, “The outbound wedding business from India was estimated at US$40 billion last year, and we are well positioned to tap into this segment.”
Apart from this, RAKTDA has outlined plans to enhance its sporting events portfolio and tourism products to leverage the Emirate’s natural attributes. With extensive facilities at Al Hamra gold club, the Emirate will host the famous European Challenge Golf tour. On the other hand, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes that appeals to visitors of every kind, be it beach-lovers, active adventurers and wellness seekers. The sustainable tourism product portfolio preserves the rich local culture and traditions.