In collaboration together with RAK Ports, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced the appointment of Zaiton Consultancy to help support the emirate’s cruise tourism.
Experts in the development and promotion of cruise services, Dubai-based Zaiton Consultancy will be responsible for promoting and developing the marketing of the growing cruise industry.
The announcement comes as the world tourism industry gathers for Seatrade Cruise Global. Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami from April 28 to April 28, Zaiton Consultancy will be participating as the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s agent.
The fastest-growing area in tourism, cruise tourism saw a growth of passengers of 5.4 per cent from 2009 to 2019 with services currently near pre-pandemic levels. To recognize the importance of the cruise industry the authority, as well as RAK Ports, have worked together on several initiatives to enhance the services offered by the emirate. This includes the conversion of the ferry terminal into an up-to-date and efficient cruise passenger terminal as well as the construction of marine transportation infrastructure surrounding it.
The authorities have also invested in creating custom visitor itineraries to draw a wider range of cruisers on leisure trips and welcome new visitors from around the world.
It is considered to be one of the most diverse and rapidly growing regions in the world one of the main components of the plan of the authorities to draw three million tourists annually by 2030 is to make sure that the destination is accessible to all modes of transportation including luxury cruise ships. The passengers will be welcomed into the Emirate via the specially-designed terminal, which is equipped to host multiple cruise vessels that are up to 214 meters in length that dock simultaneously.
In order to ensure that the terminal continues to provide the high-end service that high-end cruise guests expect The terminal is equipped with advanced security measures like facial recognition CCTV luggage, and personal and baggage scanners, which provide an effortless, stress-free experience.
“We are ready to receive the world’s most elite cruise ships and showcase our beautiful nature Emirate to this growing segment of travellers, comments Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development & MICE at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “We’ve seen first-hand the significance of cruises to the destination’s overall tourism eco-system. We also recognize that water transportation is becoming increasingly important in terms of connectivity and will support our aviation strategy in bringing tourists directly to Ras Al Khaimah. He further added: “With its wealth of experience and recognition within the cruise industry, Zaiton Consultancy is the perfect partner to take our strategy to the next stage. We look forward to working with the team to boost cruise tourism in the Emirate and attract new audiences from across the world.”
“It is a huge honour to work with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and RAK Ports to develop and market the Emirate’s growing cruise proposition,” said Executive Director of Zaiton Consultancy, Jasem Zaiton. “With an initial strategy based around smaller passenger ships before moving our focus to mainstream cruise liners, we will bring our global expertise to market Ras Al Khaimah’s truly unique offering and one-of-a-kind experiences to cruise passengers around the world,” he added.
With the aim of attracting 50 cruise ship calls each season, and some 10,000 passengers within the next few years, the focus will be on explorer/expedition Cruises, where the emphasis is placed on the experience ashore, excursions and ports of call
