CALLING ALL THRILL SEEKERS TO UAE
Tourism boards vie to attract millennials with record-breaking roller coasters and the world’s longest zipline
Millennials are a demographic that like to indulge in activities that get their blood pumping, and the UAE is a destination that offers them plenty to do in this category, experts at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2018) said.
Whether its roller coasters with record-breaking speeds, or the longest ziplines in the world, thrill seekers want to experience an activity or a destination that will leave a lasting impression and make them want to come back for more.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on the topic, Haitham Mattar, CEO of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), said there has been an exponential growth in adventure tourism worldwide and in the GCC.
“Adventure tourism has been one of the key pillars of our strategy that we launched in 2016,” he explained. “We have taken Jebel Jais as a unique selling point in Ras Al Khaimah, and added our unique adventure attractions such as the very first Via Ferrata in the region, as well as the longest zipline in the world. The demand for both attractions gave us an indication of the growing trend, and this gave us the confidence to go all out for future attractions in the segment.”
At 2.83km long, ‘Jebel Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline’, is officially certified as the world’s longest zipline and is a bucket list experience for many visitors from all over the world. The attraction has been instrumental in helping the RAKTDA win the title of the ‘Middle East’s Leading Adventure Destination 2018’ at The World Travel Awards 2018, cementing its credentials as an adventure tourism pioneer in the region. Mattar revealed that the
Visitors want more immersive experiences and this is because there has been an increase in the number of theme parks in the region; so they look for more special effects and memorable visuals
RAKTDA has plans to add 2 more ziplines to the existing 2 at Jebel Jais by the end of July this year.
“This will increase our capacity from what we projected at 200,000 adventurers by the end of this year to 400,000. We have seen a fantastic pickup at our ziplines, and we will be adding much more to our adventure tourism portfolio in the coming years,” he said. “The adventure tourism market is expected to grow by 46 per cent by 2020, and with our natural assets, we are well-placed to capitalise on this trend and further establish our reputation as the adventure tourism hub of the region.”
Bianca Sammut, GM of Yas Waterworld, also spoke about how the market has grown in recent years. “We have over 40 rides, slides and attractions, with another one opening in June. Our selection is very diverse, from kid-friendly attractions to highspeed water roller coasters. It is important for us to listen to the feedback that our visitors have to be able to keep up with their expectations. Visitors today want more immersive experiences, and this is because there has been an increase in the number of theme parks in the region; so they look for faster roller coasters, more special effects and memorable visuals.”
Yas Waterworld’s latest attraction, that will open in June, will be a 5D first-of-its-kind experience. Cinesplash is a 36-seat theatre area, which will house effects ranging from spraying water to water explosions, rain, waterfalls, neck blasts, water guns and fountains. The immersive experience will also include RGB lighted bubbles in the theatre walls and ceiling, ground fog, leg
ticklers, wind effects, 3 degrees of motion and seat vibrations. A total of 45-50 cm of water will flood the theatre as guests are fully engulfed in the adventure.
“When you look at the UAE and the GCC market, there is a need for a bit of adrenaline,” David Loiseau, VP of sales and distribution at Dubai Parks and Resorts, said. “Experiences are very important and we feel there is a huge potential for theme parks in the region. Dubai Parks and Resorts is a compliment to the existing offerings in Dubai. The city has been known as a destination for its beaches and shopping. Theme parks have filled a much-needed gap in the market when it comes to outdoor activities. Looking at our footfall today, we know that we are on the right track.”
Motiongate, which is spread across 5 zones, offers 27 key rides and attractions, including 5 roller coasters, which have been a big hit with millennials, Loiseau noted. He added that the success of the segment will continue once the Six Flags theme park opens. Construction has already commenced on the park, with an opening scheduled in late 2019. Six Flags Dubai will be the fifth theme park at the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination, and will include world recordbreaking rides, 6 roller coasters, 4 aerial attractions, a 350-metre river rapids ride, and 3 performance spaces.
“Six Flags will only build on the success of the Motiongate zone, and add to the growing demand for adrenaline rush attractions,” he added.