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Sun Group to bring luxury hospitality brand Rixos to Phu Quoc
Vietnam’s Sun Group signed an agreement with global hospitality firm Accor’s Ennismore to bring the world-renowned luxury brand Rixos to Hon Thom island, Phu Quoc last 5th December. The Phu Quoc property will be Rixos' first destination within Southeast Asia. Explaining why Phu Quoc was chosen as Rixos' first Southeast Asian location, Ennismore co-chief executive Gaurav Bhushan said: "Rixos is synonymous with luxury, offering guests an unforgettable experience with its exceptional design and programming. The exclusive island of Phu Quoc is the perfect location to bring the Rixos all-inclusive experience to Asia for the first time, with its breath-taking landscape, sandy beaches and clear blue waters. As the only all-inclusive resort on the island, Rixos Phu Quoc will set a new standard inspired by local culture and Turkish influences, establishing itself as the ultimate luxury leisure escape." At the signing ceremony, representatives of leading tourism brands agreed that Phu Quoc is an ideal destination to fully realise the potential of Rixos’ all-inclusive concept. A revolutionary standard Rixos’ all-inclusive model is considered by hospitality professionals as a revolutionary standard and concept in the global industry. The brand's resorts offer guests access to every personalised amenity; from accommodation to recreation, entertainment and relaxation, all are tailored to the highest standards of luxury. With a one-time package price, it may also be considered a worry-free vacation Exceptional service offerings Upon its launch, Rixos Phu Quoc is set to offer a comprehensive range of services. These include accommodation, diverse dining experiences across nearly 20 restaurants and bars and exclusive amenities such as a family-friendly beach area, multiple playgrounds, the Rixy Kids Club, swimming pools, outdoor recreational areas, fitness centres and spas. Guests can also fully explore the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem in Phu Quoc, including visiting Sunset Town and Kiss Bridge, riding the world's longest three-rope cable car, experiencing the thrills of Aquatopia Water Park at Sun World Hon Thom and taking time to catch world-class art performances.
TUI and RIXOS hotel group enter exclusive long-term partnership
TUI has signed an exclusive three-year agreement with Antalya based, Rixos Hotel Group. The partnership includes 10 luxury properties offering high quality accommodation in prime locations, excellent food and beverage options, and a variety of offers for families from 2024. All-inclusive remains TUI UK’s number one board type with four and five star properties top sellers. Andrew Flintham Managing Director of TUI UK and Ireland said: "I am delighted that we're working with Rixios on an exclusive basis, so our customers can enjoy their luxurious resorts in popular destinations like Turkey and Croatia. The demand for quality all-inclusive accommodation remains really strong and this partnership will now provide TUI customers with outstanding choice. “I'm confident our customers will be blown away by the impeccable service, attention to detail and variety of offering from food, entertainment and more.” The agreement extends TUI’s current exclusivities with Rixos Hotel Group from four to 10 hotel units. It offers a broad selection of luxury hotels that cater to all travel preferences, ranging from premium villa accommodations to family-friendly resorts, such as Rixos Dubrovnik with its unique location in Dubrovnik's Old Town, and the Land of Legends Hotel, featuring one of Turkey´s largest theme parks. With this range of options, TUI customers are sure to find their ultimate holiday experience. Exclusivities across all 10 Rixos resorts will be made available to TUI's 13 source markets for the summer 2024 season. Akif Tamince, Member of the Board of Rixos Hotel Group said: “We've enjoyed a long-standing partnership with TUI, and this exclusivity agreement marks a significant next step for us, highlighting the importance of strong partnerships in our industry. TUI is a strategically important partner for our growth, and we're excited to offer some of our prime properties exclusively to TUI's guests. This major step forward demonstrates our commitment to our collaboration, and we can't wait to see what the future holds."
Rixos Saadiyat Island: Abu Dhabi’s first all-inclusive, all-exclusive resort
Rixos Hotels has announced its fourth UAE property, a fully-integrated resort in Abu Dhabi’s ultra-chic Saadiyat Island. The Turkish-grown hospitality brand Rixos Hotels is set to open the first all-inclusive, all-exclusive resort in Abu Dhabi. Opening its doors on 15 October 2018, Rixos Saadiyat Island invites guests to experience luxury in a setting inspired by the palaces of the Ottoman Empire. The resort highlights interiors reflecting gemstone shades of green, blue and turquoise, with panoramic views overlooking a private beach and the Arabian Gulf. The 378-key resort comprises of 366 rooms and suites, plus 12 three- and four-bedroom villas, each boasting either shared or private pools, direct access to the beach and the dedicated services of a butler. It’s located less than 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi’s top attractions including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Rixos Saadiyat Island has a total of ten restaurants and bars. Among its culinary offerings include Turkish cuisine at Turquoise, the hotel’s signature all-day dining restaurant; seafood dining and coastal views at Mermaid; Italian classics at L’Olivo; Teppanyaki and sushi at the Japanese restaurant Aja; and Oriental cuisine at the Orient. Furthermore, a wide range of entertainment and facilities are featured as part of its all-inclusive, all-exclusive offering. The resort boasts a water park complete with wave pool for all ages and a children’s aqua park. There’s also the Anjana, a spa inspired by the age-old wellness customs of Turkey, as well as a steam room, sauna, a private outdoor pool, and ice room. Following the opening of Rixos Saadiyat Island, Rixos Hotels will operate four hotels in the United Arab Emirates: Rixos Premium Dubai, Rixos The Palm Dubai, Rixos Bab Al Bahr and Rixos Saadiyat Island. “A new chapter in our expansion” Fettah Tamince, founder and chairman of Rixos Hotels, commented: “We are thrilled to be expanding Rixos Hotels into Abu Dhabi, showcasing our first all-inclusive, all-exclusive resort in the capital. "We hope to show visitors from around the world how to create a fully-integrated resort that delivers ultra-luxury, innovation in cuisine and the highest standards of service. We are extremely proud of our new resort and of the team, we can’t wait to mark a new chapter in our expansion and welcome guests to Rixos Saadiyat Island.”
AccorHotels and Rixos Hotels Announce a Strategic Partnership
AccorHotels and Rixos Hotels have announced a partnership illustrating AccorHotels' strategy to expand its presence in the Upper Upscale/Luxury market, with a primary focus on developing global activities in the resort segment. Under a long-term joint venture, both parties intend to collaborate, develop and manage Rixos branded resorts & hotels worldwide. Upon closing, AccorHotels will own a 50% interest in the joint venture management company.Through this joint venture, AccorHotels will integrate in its network 15 iconic hotels that are ideally located in premium resort markets in Turkey, UAE, Egypt, Russia and Europe and which benefit from strong room rate performance. As part of this transaction, Rixos plans to reflag five city-centre hotels to AccorHotels brands which will also be managed by AccorHotels. To this portfolio, Rixos will add a second iconic hotel in Dubai in the very short term as well as two other properties by the end of 2018 in Abu Dhabi and the Maldives highlighting the expansion of the Rixos brand into this key resort market.Rixos is one of only a handful iconic resort brands in the region that caters to both high-end transient and group customers. It is recognized as one of the leading luxury destination brands in Turkey and the Middle East due to its best-in-class facilities, dining options and entertainment venues. Each unique property is able to capture the traditions of its surrounding while providing signature experiences, unforgettable sensory offerings, and unparalleled level of tailored services. The Rixos collection includes notable landmark assets such as Rixos Premium Belek in Turkey and Rixos The Palm in Dubai. Additionally, Rixos has invested in Turkey's largest life and entertainment center, The Land of Legends Theme Park, which opened its gates in the country's tourism capital Antalya in July 2016. The joint venture will also manage the hotel within the entertainment park.Fettah Tamince, Founder and Chairman of Rixos said : “Our collaboration is part of Rixos' objective for further expansion and growth globally with a strong partner in the hospitality industry. Combined with our partner's strong brand portfolio, reservation and sales network supported by a wide range of digital marketing activities, Rixos will expand its current geographic footprint & customer base. It is also a great opportunity for our customers to benefit from our participation in Le Club AccorHotels, which is recognized as one of the most powerful loyalty programs in the industry with over 100 million member”.Sébastien Bazin, CEO and Chairman of AccorHotels, said: “This new partnership has many benefits for us. It enables us to become a leading resort operator in a growing market and to complement our offer with attractive leisure destinations to our guests and loyalty members. And moreover, we are going a step further in our ambition to be the best provider of multi-nature services to guests by operating hotels in major entertainment complexes which offers new opportunities both in terms of customer experience and of development strategy.”
Rixos reveals second Dubai property will open at JBR in May
Turkish hotel brand Rixos has revealed that its second Dubai property will open on May 15 at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). Rixos The Palm Dubai The 443-key Rixos Premium Dubai will also have a private beach, gym and spa with Turkish hammam and six food and beverage outlets. Events space includes 10 meeting rooms and a ballroom that can cater to 1,000 guests. “This is an excellent time to expand Rixos Hotels portfolio in Dubai as the market continues to experience radical growth while establishing itself further as one of the world’s premier leisure and business destinations,” said Rixos Hotels SVP of operations Erkan Yildirim. Among the dining outlets will be all-day restaurant Turquoise, Italian fine-dining restaurant Luigia’s, music and sports bar Lock Stock & Barrel, American steakhouse STK and burger outlet Black Tap. The company will open another hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island in 2018. It already operates two hotels in the UAE - Rixos The Palm Dubai and Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah.
Rixos joins AccorHotels for global expansion
Rixos The Palm Dubai AccorHotels has continued its global expansion strategy by partnering with Rixos Hotels, the Turkey-based leisure resort specialist. Under the new tie-up, AccorHotels and Rixos will form a 50-50 joint venture hotel management company focusing on upper upscale and luxury resorts worldwide, operated under the Rixos brand. The two companies will also integrate their existing portfolios, with Rixos' collection of 15 premium properties in the Middle East and Europe joining AccorHotels' extensive portfolio. As part of this transaction, Rixos plans to re-flag five city hotels under AccorHotels' brands, while further hotels in Abu Dhabi and the Maldives will be launched under the Rixos brand. "This new partnership has many benefits for us. It enables us to become a leading resort operator in a growing market and to complement our offer with attractive leisure destinations to our guests and loyalty members," said Sébastien Bazin, CEO & chairman of AccorHotels. "Moreover, we are going a step further in our ambition to be the best provider of multi-nature services to guests by operating hotels in major entertainment complexes which offers new opportunities both in terms of customer experience and of development strategy." This acquisition marks the latest phase of AccorHotels’ strategy of expanding in traditional and alternative accommodation sectors through equity investments. The company recently took a stake in Banyan Tree and completed the purchase of the company that operates the Fairmont, Raffles and Swissotel brands. It has also either fully acquired or taken stakes in companies including Travel Keys, John Paul, onefinestay, Oasis Collections and Squarebreak. Fettah Tamince, founder & chairman of Rixos commented; "Our collaboration is part of Rixos’ objective for further expansion and growth globally with a strong partner in the hospitality industry. Combined with our partner’s strong brand portfolio, reservation and sales network supported by a wide range of digital marketing activities, Rixos will expand its current geographic footprint and customer base. It is also a great opportunity for our customers to benefit from our participation in Le Club AccorHotels, which is recognised as one of the most powerful loyalty programmes in the industry with over 100 million members." The Rixos portfolio includes notable assets such including a resort on The Palm in Dubai and Turkey's Land of Legends theme park, which opened in July 2016. The joint venture will manage the hotel within this park.
Accor achieved record performance in 2024, setting the stage for further expansion in 2025
Accor shares an overview of its 2024 development activity and growth prospects for 2025 and beyond. Accor expanded its portfolio with the opening of 293 hotels and resorts in 2024, adding an impressive 50,000 rooms. As a result, Accor’s global network now comprises over 5,680 hotels and 850,000 rooms in operation, with an additional 1,381 properties and 233,000 rooms in the pipeline. In the last five years, the Group’s pipeline has continued to increase in value at a significantly quicker pace than in volume, further enriching the quality of its global hotel portfolio. The company’s development performance was particularly robust across MEA APAC in 2024. The Middle East and Asian markets continue to grow at pace and, in 2025, over 60% of Accor’s planned openings are focused within this part of the world. Market Leadership and Brand Strength with Premium, Midscale & Economy Accor continues to strengthen its Premium, Midscale & Economy (PM&E) Division with a targeted approach to growth, focused on iconic brands such as Pullman, Novotel and ibis and expansion opportunities in sought-after destinations. With Mercure reaching the 1,000 milepost in 2024, upcoming 2025 breakthroughs include ibis opening in its 80th country and ibis Styles surpassing the 700-hotel mark. In 2024, openings across these segments included additions such as Pullman Budapest Hotel, Swissôtel Poiana Brasov, Novotel Istanbul Bomonti, and ibis Jakarta Raden Saleh. This sustained growth highlights Accor's strategic positioning in the premium, midscale and economy categories and its ability to capitalize on travel trends for ongoing success. For example, Accor’s TRIBE brand caters to the demand for design-led, experience-driven hospitality at an accessible price. The rapidly expanding brand launched new locations such as Budapest and Bangkok in 2024, offering social and flexible spaces tailored for the modern traveler. With a total of 20 hotels open and another 40 in the pipeline, TRIBE is uniquely poised to capture opportunities from this rising traveler trend. Handwritten Collection is another Accor brand that has quickly gained traction and has an ambitious global growth trajectory. Launched in 2023, the brand is a collection of carefully curated hotels that celebrate the warmth and character of their dedicated hosts. With over 25 hotels already in operation worldwide, including leading cities such as Paris, Krakow, San Francisco, Sydney, and Singapore, the brand will see its European footprint grow substantially with more than 10 hotels expected to come online over the coming months. With Accor’s premium hotel signings growing by an impressive +150% since 2019, the segment continues to show strength, with the Group’s premium footprint now representing more than 500 hotels globally. This achievement demonstrates the momentum of brands such as Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, and Grand Mercure, each redefining their hospitality offering with distinct character, deep cultural roots, and elevated guest experiences. Camil Yazbeck, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy, commented: "Accor’s premium, midscale and economy brands experienced exceptional momentum in 2024, with strong demand fueling expansion across key markets. Iconic brands like Pullman, Novotel and ibis are a driving force in our Group’s overall growth and are foundational to our PM&E division. Considering current industry fundamentals, hotel conversion is also a major focus of our strategy with many of our most conversion-friendly brands like Handwritten Collection, Mercure and TRIBE leading the way. With a strong pipeline, a diversified brand portfolio, and an owner-centric approach, Accor is best positioned to drive the next wave of hospitality growth in 2025 and beyond.” Strategic Acceleration in Luxury & Lifestyle Accor’s luxury portfolio - which has grown in both volume and value and counts landmark hotels such as Raffles London at The OWO; The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in New York; Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese in Italy; and Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery Collection in Vietnam among its unrivalled portfolio - continues to expand in key markets and highly coveted destinations. Some notable luxury openings for the Group over the last 12 months have included Raffles Sentosa Singapore; Raffles Jaipur in India; Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol in Spain; Fairmont Breakers Long Beach in California; Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile in Egypt; and Chengdu Expo Waterfall Hotel - MGallery Collection in China. On the lifestyle front, Ennismore represents the Group’s presence in this rapidly growing category. Ennismore’s Delano Dubai, Rixos Tersane Istanbul, Hyde Johannesburg and 25hours Hotel The Oddbird in Jakarta have recently opened as key flagships for the Group. On average, Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle (L&L) division opened one hotel project per week and approximately six projects were signed per month. The Group has a robust pipeline of over 280 L&L properties in development and the focus remains on high-value brands and strategic partnerships with hotel owners. 2024 saw continued signings momentum across Accor’s L&L brands, with Sofitel in particular boasting 12 new signings in the year such as Sofitel Legend The Mozart in Prague, Czech Republic. Other notable successes include the signing of Raffles Tokyo, Japan: popular urban destinations such as Tokyo continue to be in high demand, while resort and nature destinations are thriving due to a strong desire among travelers for connection with local culture and outdoor experiences. Mexico and the Caribbean are also key markets for the Group’s development of resort and all-inclusive offerings. In late 2024, Ennismore signed and opened SLS Playa Mujeres, the brand’s first all-inclusive resort set on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Ennismore also signed The Hoxton Oslo and Melbourne, 25hours Heart of Khobar, Mama Lake Como and Rixos Phu Quoc to name just a few. Last year, Accor also secured record activity through Accor One Living, an industry-first platform focused on the development, design, and operation of mixed-use projects and branded homeowner communities. The Group, which is #2 hospitality player in branded residences worldwide, now services and supports 7,000+ homeowners at close to 50 branded residence communities operating across 25+ distinct brand offerings. The Group also witnessed a high pace of conversion across its L&L division, driven by collection icons MGallery and Emblems, with 55+ hotels sitting collectively across their development pipelines. MGallery’s expansion includes the recent opening of Marival Armony Punta Mita – MGallery Collection in Mexico earlier this year and an upcoming debut in the Caribbean with The Whimsy Hotel – MGallery Collection in Saint Martin. Meanwhile, Emblems Collection recently signed Elatos Resort, a luxurious chalet set in the heart of Greece's alpine wilderness, which is set to reopen in the second half of 2026. Finally, one of the travel industry’s most anticipated 2025 events is the relaunch of the legendary Orient Express, a centenary brand with deep cultural significance. This presents a significant milestone, with the first trains set to embark in April 2025. The launch will coincide with the debut of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome which will also open and play a key part in the iconic brand’s revival. And earlier this month, the Group signed other coveted locations in Italy: Raffles - Raffles Lake Como - marking the brand’s fifth hotel in Europe – and Hotel Bellevue Cortina d’Ampezzo, Emblems Collection. Agnès Roquefort, Chief Development Officer, Luxury & Lifestyle commented: “Accor’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio remains unmatched, and 2024 marked a year of remarkable progress. With strong momentum in high-potential markets, we have expanded the footprint of our highly sought after brands, accelerated conversions, and introduced new, elevated experiences. Our strategy continues to be driven by a vision of creating meaningful and transformative guest experiences while maximizing value for our owners and partners. As we build on this success, we remain committed to shaping the future of luxury and lifestyle hospitality in 2025 and beyond.” Strategically Positioned to Leverage Market Opportunities in 2025 and Beyond The Group is focused on driving innovation and expanding its footprint in 2025, with a lineup of key openings and a robust development pipeline that includes a strong presence in key growth markets such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Accor’s strategy centers on tapping into these regions with a targeted focus, including luxury resorts and lifestyle hotels that cater to evolving consumer demands, such as sustainable travel and multi-purpose spaces. The momentum in 2024 and excitement around 2025 underscores the Group’s determination to redefine and invigorate the hospitality experience.
Luxury hotels in Riyadh and Dubai have fastest Wi-Fi networks in MENA: Ookla
Representative Image New research by Ookla® a global leader in connectivity intelligence, reveals that luxury hotels in Riyadh and Dubai are setting new benchmarks for high-speed internet connectivity, with some of the fastest Wi-Fi networks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The research, based on Speedtest Intelligence® data, assessed Wi-Fi performance at 22 top-rated five-star hotels and resorts across the region, identifying exceptional performers and highlighting regional trends in digital connectivity. As travelers increasingly rely on high-speed internet, hotels that prioritise Wi-Fi infrastructure can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and loyalty. The analysis, based on data from October 2023 to October 2024, categorised hotel Wi-Fi performance into three tiers. Top performers encompassed hotels with a median download speed exceeding 100 Mbps, capable of supporting multiple 4K streams, ultra-fast downloads, and lag-free video conferencing. Four Seasons in Riyadh, Raffles the Palm, and Jumeirah Mina Al Salam, both in Dubai, top the list with median download speeds of 154.75 Mbps, 122.82 Mbps, and 121.35 Mbps, respectively. The second group, which were good performers, included hotels with a median download speed between 50 Mbps and 100 Mbps. Download speeds ranged from just over 50 Mbps at Raffles and Fairmont in Doha to 93.70 Mbps at Rixos Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. Other notable properties in this group include Burj Al Arab and the Royal Atlantis in Dubai, as well as other hotels in Muscat and Marrakesh. Performance laggards include hotels and resorts with a median download speed below 50 Mbps. Over 45 percent of the properties reviewed fall under this category. While suitable for single high-definition to 4K streaming, this speed has potential limitations, particularly during peak usage. Notably, a few 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi and Muscat had a median download speed below 15 Mbps. “To assess Wi-Fi performance, we benchmarked median download speeds inside and around the properties over one year. This allowed us to evaluate network performance and stability across hotels with varying occupancy levels and guest profiles. We focused on the most commonly used guest Wi-Fi networks and excluded those specific to events like sporting competitions,” said Karim Yaici, Lead Industry Analyst for the Middle East and Africa at Ookla. While Gulf countries generally have high-speed internet infrastructure and top the Speedtest Global Index™, the subpar performance of some hotels in the region suggests potential issues with Wi-Fi configurations, and not with the capacity of the broadband connection. “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the demand for seamless internet access, with tourists and business travelers expecting high-speed Wi-Fi for work and leisure. In line with this, cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have significantly invested in their network infrastructure to meet these elevated expectations of digital nomads and professionals,” added Yaici. With a commitment to empowering consumers and businesses with network intelligence to drive digital innovation and connectivity, Ookla helps hospitality property managers design Wi-Fi networks as well as monitor and optimise their performance.
Ras Al Khaimah witnessed 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024
Building on a track record of remarkable achievements, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reports its strongest year ever, welcoming a record-high 1.28 million overnight arrivals in 2024, marking 12% growth in tourism revenues and a notable 15% rise in MICE visitors. This success is a testament to the Emirate’s strategic and sustainable growth vision to attract over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030. Commenting on the Emirate’s achievements, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “2024 was a milestone year for Ras Al Khaimah, showcasing our commitment to sustainability, enhanced connectivity, and diverse experiences tailored to every traveller. Looking ahead, our vision extends beyond attracting more visitors; we aim to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of the future. With significant investments, world-class events, and groundbreaking developments on the horizon, 2025 is set to be another remarkable year. Several factors contributed to this robust performance in 2024, including the opening new hotels and resorts, a growing calendar of international events, increased connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, best-in-class marketing campaigns and over 2,200 international activities and market engagements across 70 cities. Ras Al Khaimah’s key achievements in 2024 include: Record-breaking visitor numbers: 1.28 million overnight arrivals, marking 12% growth of tourism revenues and 15% rise in MICE visitors. Global recognition for sustainability: RAKTDA’s sustainability programme was named the ‘Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project’ at the Forbes Middle East 2024 Sustainability Leaders’ Summit. This recognition underscores its status as the region’s first destination to earn the EarthCheck Sustainable Destinations Silver Certification and its leadership in sustainable tourism through initiatives like Responsible RAK, its own certification programme for hotels and tourism business. Enhanced connectivity: Boosted accessibility to the Emirate with the introduction of new direct flights from key cities in Poland, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Romania, Czech Republic, Russia, Saudi Arabia and India, enhancing connectivity through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Expanded hospitality offerings: The opening of Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort introduced new luxury experiences, including the Emirate’s first overwater villas. Exceptional events: From the third HIGHLANDER Adventure hiking challenge and Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship to the Arab Aviation Summit and Global Citizen Forum held for four consecutive years, Ras Al Khaimah continues to host world-class events. Highlights also include the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup, and the launch of the Seven Wonders experiential concert series. Record-breaking New Year’s Eve celebrations: The emirate ushered in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks and drone display, setting two new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles: ‘Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multi-rotor drones’ and ‘Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drone’. Workplace excellence: For the fourth consecutive year, RAKTDA was certified as a Great Place to Work®, recognised in multiple categories: ‘Best Workplaces in the Middle East’, ‘Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ in the GCC’, and ‘Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC’. Empowering local talent: RAKTDA’s inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in partnership with Career Lab and the Swiss University of Les Roches, graduated 18 Emirati youth, equipping them for leadership roles in the tourism sector, supporting nationalization efforts in the hospitality industry. Driving growth in key markets Ras Al Khaimah continues to diversify and expand its reach in both established and emerging markets, with the CIS, GCC, Europe, India and China remaining core to its strategy. In 2024, the Emirate achieved new milestones in market engagement, further solidifying its position as a global tourism destination. New direct flights introduced enhanced connectivity to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport from nine cities including Moscow, Russia; Bucharest, Romania; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Prague, Czech Republic; Warsaw and Katowice, Poland; Almaty, Kazakhstan; and Hyderabad, India. China has also emerged as a significant growth market. In 2024, RAKTDA boosted visibility in China through strategic initiatives including collaborations with Huawei Group and prominent Chinese travel platform Trip.com plus establishing a robust presence on Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat, Red, and Douyin. These efforts have earned RAKTDA notable recognitions, including Best Global Partner and Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year by Trip.com, as well as the title of Fastest-Growing Tourism Destination from Huawei Petal Ads, reinforcing Ras Al Khaimah's position as a rising destination for Chinese travelers. Expanding hospitality portfolio Ras Al Khaimah’s flourishing tourism sector is underpinned by its strategic focus on building a diverse hospitality portfolio with a well-balanced mix of internationally branded luxury hotels and family-friendly resorts. In 2024, the Emirate welcomed two new luxury properties, further establishing its reputation as a destination of choice. Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, featuring the Emirate’s first overwater villas, and the Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort opened their doors, adding to Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hospitality portfolio. Additionally, existing properties underwent transformative enhancements. Rixos Al Mairid Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Pullman Marjan Island were rebranded and upgraded to meet the highest standards of hospitality, offering visitors elevated experiences. A world-class destination for events In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah experienced a remarkable 15% year-over-year growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) visitor numbers, reinforcing its status as a premier MICE destination. This success is attributed to several strategic initiatives by RAKTDA, including over 80 international MICE activities and market engagements across 20 markets. Key initiatives include a comprehensive MICE and Wedding incentive programs, the launch of an online training platform for MICE agents and Wedding Planners, and the introduction of the MICE playbook. The free visa initiative has also facilitated easier access for Indian MICE groups and wedding celebrations. Additionally, strategic partnerships with international Professional Congress Organizers (PCOs), Incentive Houses, Associations, Wedding Planners, and corporate travel agencies have been instrumental in this achievement. Events tourism was another key pillar of Ras Al Khaimah’s 2024 success. The Emirate hosted several internationally acclaimed events such as the third HIGHLANDER long-distance hiking challenge, the 16th Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, the third Ras Al Khaimah Golf Championship, the fourth Global Citizen Forum and Arab Aviation Summit, the HUAWEI AppGallery Gamers Cup, and the launch event of the Seven Wonders experiential concert series, headlined by world-renowned DJ Armin Van Buuren. Building on this success, 2025 will see the Seven Wonders concert series continue, featuring seven international acts who will perform across seven iconic Ras Al Khaimah destinations over seven weeks. The immersive audio and visual platform will provide an experience unlike any other, further cementing Ras Al Khaimah status as a global events destination. The year concluded with a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration, earning two GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles for its breathtaking fireworks and drone display: ‘Largest aerial display of a tree formed by multi-rotor drones’ and ‘Largest aerial image of a seashell formed by drone’. Building a sustainable future In 2024, RAKTDA’s initiatives earned the title of ‘Middle East’s Most Sustainable Project’ at the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit, highlighting the destination's achievement of the Middle East's first Silver Certification by EarthCheck and the Authority's pioneering efforts in responsible tourism. Sustainability efforts extend to cultural preservation, with RAKTDA building its Cultural and Heritage Vision in 2024 – a road map that will preserve 20 of the Emirate’s 80+ historical and archaeological sites that date back as far as the Bronze Age. By developing these sites as key attractions to provide more authentic experiences for visitors and empowering Emiratis to actively participate in tourism, Ras Al Khaimah will ensure its unique heritage is preserved for future generations. Another focus area was accessible tourism with RAKTDA setting sights on ensuring Ras Al Khaimah becomes a truly accessible destination. The Authority partnered with Sage Inclusion, a global accessible travel expert, to undertake the largest accessibility assessment of its kind in the Middle East. A comprehensive 12-week audit took place end of 2024, covering over 40 hotels, 10 attractions, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and ground transportation, evaluating accessibility across various disability categories including mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive and allergy. The initiative aims to elevate Ras Al Khaimah as a flagship destination for accessible tourism, ensuring that every visitor can fully enjoy and explore the emirate. Live, work, thrive: a holistic destination Beyond attracting visitors, Ras Al Khaimah is committed to becoming an exceptional place to live and thrive. The Emirate’s balanced approach to sustainable tourism ensures that growth is achieved without compromising its unique culture. This vision has already garnered global recognition, with Ras Al Khaimah ranked among the top ten cities for expats in the InterNations City Ranking 2024. It was also named the world’s best city for expats to get started abroad, second for working overseas, and fifth for ease of settling in. RAKTDA was also certified as a Great Place to Work® for the fourth consecutive year, with accolades in the categories of Best Workplaces in the Middle East, Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ in the GCC, and Best Workplaces for Women in the GCC. The success of its inaugural Emirati Hospitality Programme, in partnership with Career Lab and Les Roches University, which graduated 18 local talents, underscores the Emirate’s dedication to nurturing future leaders in tourism.
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