Ras Al Khaimah to Host European Challenge Tour Golf Grand Final
- The ‘Road to Ras Al Khaimah’ will take championship golf to the next level in the Emirate
- Sports and Events Tourism continues to be a growth area for Ras Al Khaimah to meet target of 1 million visitors by end 2018
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has confirmed that the Emirate will host the Grand Final of the European Tour Challenge season at the end of October, marking a significant milestone for golf in the UAE. ‘The Road to Ras Al Khaimah’ is part of RAKTDA’s strategy to grow sports, adventure and event tourism in the Emirate which is seeking to attract 1 million visitors by the end of 2018.
RAKTDA is increasing its focus on the sports and adventure tourism event segment with the introduction of a range of outdoor events that take advantage of the diverse natural landscape. This follows the success of the RAK Half Marathon in February, the fastest half marathon in the world, which saw hotel bookings from participants increase by 35% year on year, and the RAK stage of the international Dubai Tour cycling race was introduced in 2017, in addition to several hiking challenges and events in Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak.
Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said: “Having hosted the penultimate Challenge Tour events in Ras Al Khaimah for the last two years, we are delighted to add the Grand Final to our sporting events calendar. Not only will it attract golf fans from across the region and beyond but we hope it will also inspire more golf enthusiasts to play where the pro’s play at Al Hamra Golf Club.
“High profile sporting events also help us attract an increasing number of international visitors and UAE residents who also want to experience everything Ras Al Khaimah has to offer. With our unique natural landscape of pristine beaches, terracotta desert and the UAE’s highest mountain range we cater to those looking for luxurious relaxation, culture or adventure. With the recent opening of Jebel Jais Flight: The World’s Longest Zipline in the stunning Hajar Mountains visitors will also have the opportunity to tick off a truly bucket list experience,” added Mattar.
He concluded: “Our hotel portfolio which includes high-end, luxury properties as well as family focused resorts is well placed to accommodate the visitors coming in for the Golf tournament, and with plans to significantly grow our choice of accommodation over the next five years, Ras Al Khaimah is truly a great place to combine watching sport with an exciting stay.”
Ras Al Khaimah boasts a year-round calendar of sporting, adventure, leisure and MICE events. The Happiness Festival in February attracted more than 30,000 visitors, while the emirate is due to stage another concert on Jebel Jais on the 4-5 May following the huge success of Vivaldianno – the UAE’s first live classical music concert at 1600 metres – which was held last October. Next week, Ras Al Khaimah will host Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and World Travel Awards, where hundreds of hotel and investment senior leaders will gather to network and discover the unique destination offering.
To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s calendar of sporting events visit https://en.raktda.com/events
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About Ras Al Khaimah
One of the world’s fastest growing tourism destinations, Ras Al Khaimah boasts a rich culture and long-standing history dating back 7,000 years. The Emirate boasts an array of archaeological sites and breath-taking natural vistas, from golden sand beaches, awe-inspiring terracotta dunes and a green belt of date palms to Jebel Jais, the highest mountain in the UAE.
About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. In order to achieve target growth of one million visitors by the end of 2018, the authority aims to develop the emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the RAKTDA has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.
To learn more about Ras Al Khaimah, visit us at:
- raktda.com and www.rasalkhaimah.ae
- facebook.com/visitrasalkhaimah
- youtube.com/visitrasalkhaimah
- https://twitter.com/raktourism
