The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced over 20 ecotourism initiatives under an AED 500 million sustainable tourism investment plan yesterday. The announcement was made at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market 2021, in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The investment plan highlights a “new brand identity, based on the destination’s natural topography,” RAKTDA CEO Raki Phillips said.
“This multi-million investment plan further demonstrates our resolve and commitment to tourism, despite the global challenges faced this past year that continue to shake our industry today,” Phillips added.
The new strategy focuses on nature, leisure, adventure, making ecotourism in Ras Al Khaimah both accessible and authentic.
MOUNTAIN, BEACH, DESERT: ECOTOURISM IN RAS AL KHAIMAH
The new projects will involve a number of mountain and land experiences, in addition to a mega-beachfront development by Marjan, and a scallop diving ranch at Al Hamra Marine.
Several of these projects will be situated in Jebel Jais, including sustainable glamping at Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais, an F&B Village at Jais Yard, paragliding at Jais Wings, and an Instagrammable swing with views at Jais Swing.
The mountain-side projects will also feature Earth Hotels Altitude, a sustainable pop-up hotel concept, and curated Highlander hiking experiences.
Closer to land, tourists can dabble in agriculture at a luxury glamping experience at Cloud7 Camp AlSawan, or go sight-seeing at two new installations at Manar Mall – the Flying Arch, a 130-metre aerial structure, and a light maze titled Luminaze.
The investment plan also makes way for four new hotels – Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton Al Marjan Island (one of the largest Hampton by Hilton properties in the world), Radisson Al Marjan Island, and InterContinental Mina Al Arab.
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IS JUST A PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE
The ecotourism initiatives at Ras Al Khaimah are the latest in the emirate’s efforts to double down on tourism.
Several projects are underway to further cement Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a tourism hotspot. These include Sky Room, the UAE's highest meeting room, 1484 By Puro, the UAE's highest restaurant, the region’s longest toboggan ride, Jais Sledder, and the world’s only Bear Grylls Explorers Camp.
Ras Al Khaimah was voted as the Gulf Tourism Capital a second time by Bureau Veritas, in addition to being named globally as the first city to have the ‘Safeguard Assurance’ label from the certification company. The emirate has also received the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Photo credit: www.corporate.visitrasalkhaimah.com
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