RAKTDA focusing and fostering Ras Al Khaimah’s MICE offerings, announces new incentives
Ras Al Khaimah has positioned itself as a leading MICE destination in the Middle East, hosting several prestigious international and regional events over the past years. The Emirate has made significant strides in strengthening its MICE offering in its key tourism markets. Recently, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announced new MICE incentives for associations. The initiatives were launched in line with the Authority’s strategy to strengthen Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a leading MICE destination in the region and to further develop its robust portfolio of events.
Ras Al Khaimah is cementing its reputation as a leading MICE hub in the region, with visitors able to experience a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure, as well as an extensive hospitality offering and proximity to Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Ras Al Khaimah has a strong track record for hosting big events, emerging stronger from the pandemic, and putting in place measures to ensure the safety of guests and participants at large-scale MICE events. Its facilities include Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre being named the first safe meeting facility in the world, as certified by Bureau Veritas. There is also the Jais Sky Room, which is a dedicated outdoor event venue, the highest meeting room in the UAE set against the backdrop of the Hajar mountains. With extensive facilities across the Emirate’s portfolio of hotels, each venue has specific elements that provide guests with an inspiring overview of Ras Al Khaimah’s culture, hospitality, and unique offerings.
Thus, as a growing MICE destination in the region, RAKTDA’s new progressive initiatives support the Emirates’ MICE offering and further strengthen its position on the international map. To further attract associations and to further support business tourists and MICE groups in 2022, the series of new initiatives include:
• Flexible rates at Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre facility (2700 sq mt).
• Incentive Program (rebate on accommodation rates*).
• Waive of Permit fees.
• Free PCR Test for the delegation.
• Free extension of hotel stays and meal plan for those who test COVID positive.
• Free medical coverage for those who need medical attention at Ras Al Khaimah hospital. • Reduced delegate rates for the attractions.
Pre-pandemic, RAKTDA has partnered with prominent associations such as the WTTC and Deutscher Reiseverband. The Arab Aviation Summit was the first in-person event to be held in 2021 because of the Emirate’s safety and hygiene initiatives implemented across its venues. In addition, the Emirate hosted the Global Citizen Forums acclaimed annual summit in 2021, bringing together some of the world’s leading minds, including country leaders, philanthropists, activists, acclaimed artists and athletes, entrepreneurs, and top-tier economists, as well as the Schweizer Reise- (Swiss Verband’s Travel Association’s) first annual General Assembly since the pandemic, welcoming 180 leading Swiss travel agents and tour operators.
The Emirate recently welcomed the World Tourism Forum Lucerne’s International Startup Innovation Summit and will host several association events and conferences this year, including The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), which will be the first time that the not-forprofit travel trade association’s Annual Summit to be held in West Asia.
With safety as the main priority for MICE planners, the Emirate was named the Gulf Tourism Capital for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council and set a global benchmark in becoming the first city in the world to secure the Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label and World Travel and Tourism Council’s Safe Travel Stamp.