BERLIN: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has strengthened its alliance with Trip.com Group, one of the world’s largest travel service providers, to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as a premier destination for Chinese travellers.
The latest Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed at ITB Berlin 2025, marks a significant milestone in the Emirate’s tourism expansion strategy, with a range of initiatives set to increase visibility and accessibility in China’s fast-growing outbound travel market.
Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, and Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA, formalised the agreement, building on the success of their ongoing collaboration. Since launching their partnership in June 2024, Trip.com Group has already generated over 17.5 million-page impressions for Ras Al Khaimah, significantly boosting interest in the Emirate among Chinese travellers.
Driving tourism through digital engagement
Leveraging Trip.com Group’s cutting-edge digital ecosystem, data intelligence, and expansive consumer reach, the partnership will roll out a series of strategic marketing initiatives. These include immersive storytelling, targeted promotions, and exclusive travel offerings aimed at capturing the attention of Chinese tourists at every stage of their journey—from inspiration and planning to booking and on-the-ground experiences.
Ras Al Khaimah’s breathtaking natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality are set to take centre stage in the campaign. By positioning the Emirate as an authentic Arabian escape, the initiative will present Ras Al Khaimah as a distinctive alternative to more traditional Middle Eastern destinations.
Boosting hotel bookings and recognition
Since mid-2024, the partnership has already shown remarkable results, with hotel bookings in Ras Al Khaimah rising by 22%. This surge has been driven by a combination of targeted promotions, enhanced destination marketing, and Trip.com Group’s influential digital presence.
In recognition of these achievements, Trip.com Group honoured RAKTDA with two major accolades at its Global Partner Summit in December 2024—"Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year" and "Best Overseas Partner of 2024". These awards underscore Ras Al Khaimah’s growing reputation as a key international travel destination.
New flagship travel hub on Ctrip
As part of the next phase of collaboration, a flagship Ras Al Khaimah Star Hub store will be launched on Ctrip, Trip.com Group’s primary travel booking platform for Chinese tourists. This dedicated virtual space will offer curated itineraries, exclusive promotions, and travel inspiration tailored specifically for Chinese travellers.
In addition, RAKTDA is enhancing the visitor experience by introducing language support and seamless digital payment solutions, ensuring Chinese tourists can explore the Emirate with ease.
Rapid tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah
The renewed partnership comes at a time of unprecedented tourism growth for Ras Al Khaimah. In 2024, the Emirate welcomed a record 1.28 million overnight visitors, driving a 12 percent increase in tourism revenues. Additionally, the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector experienced a 15 percent rise in visitor numbers, further cementing Ras Al Khaimah’s status as a top-tier global destination.
The Emirate has set an ambitious target of attracting over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, with strategic partnerships such as the one with Trip.com Group playing a crucial role in achieving this vision.
Established in 2011, RAKTDA continues to drive the Emirate’s tourism development, working towards making Ras Al Khaimah a world-class destination for leisure and business travel. The Authority’s mandate includes licensing, regulating, and monitoring the tourism and hospitality sector while fostering sustainable investment opportunities that benefit both visitors and residents.
Trip.com Group, founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ and HKEX, is one of the most influential travel service providers globally. With platforms like Ctrip, Trip.com, Skyscanner, and Qunar, the group plays a pivotal role in shaping travel trends worldwide.