Wrapping up at the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (TDA) concluded a highly successful event resulting in a number of key announcements, travel trade relationship building, panel discussions and interviews with key players within the travel industry and media. Highlights included the unveiling of Ras Al Khaimah TDA's brand new destination video, a high tech golf simulator on the stand throughout ATM, and a series of signings with major travel partners including India's leading tour operator Cox & Kings Ltd. and China's largest outbound online travel company, Ctrip Destination Marketing. Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: "ATM attracts leaders and influencers from the travel industry across the globe; as such it is not only the ideal platform to communicate our latest news but also an important event to be part of the discussions that take place, shaping the future of travel in the region. This year's event was hugely successful, we had even more projects and updates to share with the industry than ever before as we progress our three-year strategy focusing on promoting and developing Ras Al Khaimah's natural assets and increasing our growing portfolio of events." As well the emirate's growing tourism offering, increased connectivity and accessibility is a key selling point when it comes to increasing visitors to Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has already made impressive strides in initiating strategic partnerships with airlines and tour operators over the last 12 months. Collaborations were signed with Thomas Cook, FTI, Emirates, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways and Air India Express — all resulting in Ras Al Khaimah now being officially connected to 170 destinations across the globe. "Developing a tourism strategy to grow visitor numbers and improve accessibility go hand in hand," said Mattar. "Our emirate is now connected to more countries around the world than ever before and as we continue to focus on our core source markets, our strategy includes increasing our presence in emerging markets at the same time. Members of the travel industry and media were able to join us on our stand at ATM this year to witness the signing of two key partnerships, with Cox & Kings and Ctrip to help us achieve this goal. These are two of many more deals to come!" Over 26,000 visitors attended the leading travel show over four days, with Ras Al Khaimah TDA's stand drawing in large crowds to meet with the 19 stand partners on hand to share their latest news and developments. One of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the world, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history, dating back 7,000 years, showcased by an array of archaeological sites and breathtaking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.
