Raki Phillips, the CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, emphasized the rapid growth of the luxury cruise tourism sector within the global travel industry, making it one of the main contributors to the recovery of the travel sector following the COVID-19 pandemic. Projections indicate a 10.4% growth in this sector between 2022 and 2031.
The cruise tourism sector underwent significant transformations during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing operators and brands to innovate and create more sustainable travel experiences. This shift is expected to continue throughout the current year.
Phillips pointed out that Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is working alongside the emirate’s advanced ports on several projects to enhance the offerings of the emirate. He highlighted investments in new facilities, including transforming the old Al Darah Boat Station into a modern and efficient station to receive passengers on marine tourism trips. Phillips also mentioned that their strategy has already borne fruit. In the 2022-2023 season, Ras Al Khaimah received requests for visits from four luxury cruise ships, including the “Azamara Quest,” one of the largest cruise ships globally, and the massive yacht “The World.” Additionally, they received 14 requests for visits from luxury cruise ships for the 2023-2024 season, and it is expected that the emirate will receive up to 20 cruise ships by 2025-2026.
Phillips noted that luxury cruise tourism is currently experiencing a qualitative shift reflecting emerging trends. For instance, the concept of luxury travel itself is evolving to provide more specialized experiences. Post-pandemic, travelers are seeking well-thought-out and conscious travel experiences, looking for destinations that align with their goals. Younger generations and millennials are especially enthusiastic about planning international trips, opening up new opportunities.
As demand grows for cruise destinations offering experiences suited to a wide range of interests, travelers are seeking vacations that provide comprehensive family experiences. Ras Al Khaimah recorded record numbers during the first half of the current year, attracting 600,000 visitors from January to June 2023, marking the highest-ever half-year figure in terms of visitor arrivals. The emirate saw a 14.8% increase in total visitors during this period compared to the first half of 2022. It also achieved the highest tourism-related revenues ever during the first half of a year. The emirate is actively investing in strategic initiatives, partnerships, and projects to enhance its status as a destination for the future, paving the way for continuous growth in 2023 and beyond.