Ras Al Khaimah visitors increase 28% in August

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Ras Al Khaimah is set to celebrate Eid-Al-Adha with an array of special offers as the emirate announces a record number of visitors during August, spurred on by the GCCs weekend get-away market. During August 2013, Ras Al Khaimah attracted over 95,000 visitors, which represents a 28 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to August 2012. Whilst domestic UAE tourism accounted for almost 52 per cent of visitors during this time, the emirate also saw a marked increase in intra-regional travel from GCC and Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Qatar and Lebanon. Between January and August 2013, the emirate has attracted 723,852 visitors with UAE as the strongest source market with 232,480 visitors presenting 32.12 per cent of the total number of visitors followed by various countries including Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Italy and Czech Republic. Khalid Motik, director, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, explains: "Ras Al Khaimah is going from strength to strength as a tourism destination. The combination of accessibility, just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport, with luxurious seclusion, world class hotel resorts and diverse natural landscapes perfect for outdoor activities, makes Ras Al Khaimah the ideal location for UAE and GCC residents looking to make the most of the Eid holidays. "Another contributing factor drawing in visitors has been the opening of the UAEs first Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, which is the luxury brand of Hilton Worldwide, marking an exciting addition to the emirates premium luxury hotels and resorts," Motik added. During Eid-al-Adha, the emirates world-class hotels will be adding to their appeal with an array of activities, buffets and special offers. Highlights include spa packages at the luxury resort Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach, complementary upgrades for HHonors members at the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah and an array of deals on adventure activities, including kids fly free with Seawings, luxury cruises on Prince of Sea, over-night cruises and introductory sailing lessons on Catamaran Freedom, and overnight stay packages with hotel partners for trips to Ice Land Water Park. Special Eid rates on rooms and food and beverage are also on offer at Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort