Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Trip.com Group have strengthened their strategic alliance to position Ras Al Khaimah as a premier destination for Chinese travelers. The announcement was made at ITB Berlin 2025, where both organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a series of initiatives aimed at increasing the Emirate’s visibility, engagement, and accessibility in China.

The MoU was signed by Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, and Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development at RAKTDA. This agreement builds upon the success of their existing partnership and introduces transformative strategies leveraging Trip.com Group’s digital ecosystem, data intelligence, and extensive consumer reach. Through immersive storytelling, targeted promotions, and exclusive travel offerings, Ras Al Khaimah is being positioned as an authentic Arabian escape for Chinese tourists. The Emirate’s blend of adventure, relaxation, and history provides a compelling alternative to traditional Middle Eastern destinations.

Since the partnership’s inception in June 2024, Trip.com Group has generated over 17.5 million page impressions for Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration has significantly boosted the Emirate’s hospitality sector, leading to a 22% increase in hotel bookings in the second half of 2024. In recognition of this success, Trip.com Group honored RAKTDA with its “Outstanding Strategic Partner of the Year” and “Best Overseas Partner of 2024” awards at its Global Partner Summit in December 2024.

China remains one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets, and this partnership underscores Ras Al Khaimah’s commitment to capturing this audience. Iyad Rasbey emphasized that the extension of their collaboration with Trip.com Group represents a critical step in their broader strategy to explore new growth opportunities. By combining RAKTDA’s destination marketing expertise with Trip.com Group’s market insights and digital influence, the alliance seeks to introduce Ras Al Khaimah to a wider Chinese audience while highlighting its cultural heritage and Arabian hospitality.
Amanda Wang, Vice President of Trip.com Group, expressed enthusiasm for the shared vision between the two partners, emphasizing Ras Al Khaimah’s natural beauty, adventure offerings, and cultural significance. She stated that the next phase of the partnership will involve enhancing digital capabilities to create engaging narratives for Chinese travelers. By amplifying marketing efforts and increasing the Emirate’s presence across Trip.com Group’s platforms, the goal is to attract more visitors eager to explore Ras Al Khaimah.

One of the key initiatives in this collaboration is the launch of a flagship Ras Al Khaimah Star Hub store on Ctrip, Trip.com Group’s primary travel booking platform for Chinese travelers. This digital storefront will serve as a dedicated space for travel inspiration, promotions, and curated itineraries, further strengthening Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal. Additionally, RAKTDA is implementing measures to enhance the travel experience for Chinese visitors, including language support and digital payment solutions tailored to their needs.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority reported a record-breaking year in 2024, with 1.28 million overnight arrivals, marking a 12% increase in tourism revenues and a 15% rise in MICE visitors. These figures highlight the Emirate’s growing prominence as a global tourism destination. With a strategic vision aimed at attracting over 3.5 million annual visitors by 2030, Ras Al Khaimah continues to solidify its position as a premier choice for international travelers.