Dnata Travel, the UAE’s longest-standing travel provider, is revealing that its largest growth destination in 2020, and in 2021 so far, is the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE-based travel brand, part of the dnata Travel Group, has previously revealed that throughout its 60 years the UAE has always remained the number one travel destination of choice for its citizens and residents, with travelers exploring more of the emirates than ever before in 2020.
This trend looks set to continue in 2021, and in an even bigger way for Ras Al Khaimah, with dnata Travel reporting a 415% increase in travel bookings to the emirate between January and April 2021, compared to the same timeframe last year.
Emily Jenkins, Head of dnata Travel Leisure UAE, commented: "At dnata Travel, we witnessed strong demand for domestic travel overall in 2020, with Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah seeing particular increases in bookings and room nights compared to previous years. We are seeing similar trends in 2021 so far, with staycation bookings in demand across the country, and Ras Al Khaimah once again coming out on top in terms of growth.
"We are also seeing growth of international holiday traffic from the UAE in 2021. Traveller confidence has grown, particularly in travel to destinations which have now been open for tourists for a significant time and with clear regulations, offer no rules for quarantine on arrival, and direct flight options. Popular holiday destinations include the paradise Indian Ocean islands of the Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar, the mountains of Georgia and the historic cities of Egypt.
"With pent-up demand for travel at an all-time high, UAE residents continue to discover new places locally, whilst also making plans for international travel. We have witnessed an enhanced appreciation for the incredible landscapes, attractions and unrivaled range of luxurious resorts on our doorstep, with the UAE continuing to represent our number one travel destination. Travelers are spending more time on staycations, and staying for longer, at iconic hotels and new openings alongside some ‘hidden gems’ across the emirates."
A travel survey dnata Travel conducted with thousands of people across the UAE last year revealed that 91% of domestic travelers wanted to experience more of the UAE in 2020/2021, with Ras Al Khaimah proving the most popular choice for a staycation, followed by Fujairah and Dubai respectively.
The most popular resorts for extended stays in Ras Al Khaimah with dnata Travel in 2021 so far have included 5-star resorts dotted across the emirate from the white-washed villas of Santorini-style The Cove Rotana Resort, to the home of one of the UAE’s largest swimming pools, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort, and the uber-luxurious Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, which offers innovative spa treatments and panoramic sea or golf course views.
Working with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, dnata Travel is offering some exclusive staycation packages to stay at its most popular resorts with added extras including All-Inclusive offers, complimentary stays for children, and more, from AED160 per person, per night. Find out more by visiting their website.