Thursday, February 15, 2024
The recent easing of visa restrictions between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman heralds a new chapter in cross-border travel, promising to significantly streamline the journey for tourists and residents alike.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for borderless travel between the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) at the World Travel Market London in November 2023, sets a groundbreaking precedent in regional tourism cooperation.
Boosting Tourism through Strategic Collaboration
This landmark MoU aims to bolster tourism between Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE, and the Governorate of Musandam, Oman, leveraging their geographical proximity and shared cultural heritage. Musandam, known for its breathtaking fjords and water adventure sports, is a natural complement to RAK’s diverse attractions. The partnership focuses on enhancing cross-destination tourism through collaborative marketing efforts, improved transportation links, favorable visa arrangements for international tourists, and the creation of unique tourism packages. Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, emphasizes the collaboration’s significance, stating it is underpinned by shared geographical and cultural ties, making it especially meaningful.
Easing Visa Restrictions and Border Crossings
A critical aspect of this MoU is the simplification of travel procedures. Phillips highlighted in an interview with Khaleej Times the commitment to making border crossings more accessible and less time-consuming. While UAE residents can apply for an Oman visa online or obtain one upon arrival, the initiative also aims to facilitate easier access for international tourists to explore both destinations within a single journey. The recent approval of a unified GCC tourist visa promises to further streamline travel across Gulf-member states, potentially boosting regional tourism significantly.
Fostering Family-Friendly Travel
In alignment with RAK’s objective to strengthen its position as a family-friendly destination, a ‘kids go free’ campaign is slated to launch at the ITB Berlin travel trade show in March 2024. This initiative, supported by the majority of hotels in RAK offering a ‘children go free’ policy, underscores the emirate’s commitment to welcoming families. RAK’s array of family-oriented resorts, complete with special rooms, kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and beachfronts, alongside activities ranging from watersports to desert and mountain adventures, caters to families looking for diverse experiences.
Driving Forward with Ambitious Growth Targets
RAK’s tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth, with a record 1.22 million overnight arrivals in 2023, marking an 8% increase from 2022, and a significant 24% year-on-year increase in international visitors. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, RAK aims to not only sustain this growth but to accelerate it, with a vision to attract over three million visitors by 2030. This ambition aligns with RAK’s long-term tourism strategy, focusing on expanding its hotel supply to meet growing demand, while prioritizing sustainability and accessibility.
The easing of visa restrictions and the strategic partnership between RAKTDA and Omran Group represent a pivotal shift towards creating a more integrated and accessible travel experience within the Gulf region. By simplifying travel procedures and fostering cross-destination tourism, this initiative not only enhances the appeal of RAK and Musandam as premier destinations but also sets a precedent for regional collaboration in tourism. With a focus on family-friendly travel and ambitious growth targets, RAK is poised to become a leading destination for travellers seeking unique and diverse experiences in the heart of the Middle East.
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