Ras al-Khaimah targets Chinese Market at 2015 MeetChina Conference
ATP- Arab tourism portal- RAS AL KHAIMAH, (WAM) – Ras al-KhaimahTourism Development Authority, an official partner of MeetChina 2015, has noted an increase of 125 per cent in Chinese visitors to the emirate in H1 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.
The findings were shared at a forum held at The St. Regis, Abu Dhabi and was attended by over seventy high-level Chinese travel buyers – including representatives from Beijing China International Travel Service, Henan Tourism Group, and One Tour. The forum offered the UAE travel and tourism industry the opportunity to engage in a series of 20-minute meetings with a selection of leading tourism suppliers.
During this year’s conference, the Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority brought to life plans for the destination, highlighting the vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah.
Haitham Mattar, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: "This is a unique opportunity for the destination and the Authority to engage with a growing market for the UAE and Ras Al Khaimah. As we begin to see indications of positive growth from China, we look to capitalize on partnerships, events and investment opportunities which will ensure the emirate furthered growth and prosperity in hospitality and tourism towards the future."
MeetChina 2015 marks an important highlight on the UAE’s business event calendar, as China remains a key source market for the UAE. The conference, supported by Ras al-Khaimah Tourism Development Authority hosted the 15-strong media delegation on an exclusive tour of the Emirate at the Waldorf Astoria with trips to Dhaya Fort, Jebel Al Jais and Bedouin Oasis.
"China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market and the fastest rising for the UAE as a whole," explained Rob Nicholas, managing director of npimedia, organiser of the event. "MeetChina represents a unique opportunity to engage with key buyers who are already immersed in the destination. This year, we have the strongest profile of buyers in our four-year history and there is great opportunity to follow up the meetings that are taking place to secure concrete business."
As Chinese outbound tourism continues to increase globally – with almost 62 million trips taken in the first half of 2015 alone – China remains a key inbound market for Ras al-Khaimah and continues to play an important role in the Emirate’s ambitious strategy to achieve one million visitors by 2018.
The Authority is further paving the way for the growth of inbound visitors from the Chinese market, with the announcement of the launch of direct Qatar Airways flights, commencing 1 October 2015, through which Ras al-Khaimah will be connected to 11 source cities in China and more than 140 destinations worldwide.
