RAK tourism authority signs strategic airline partnership to connect emirate to German cities

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has announced a new strategic airline partnership with Corendon Airlines to connect the emirate to major cities in Germany, including Frankfurt, Dusseldorf and Munich.

Starting November 1, Corendon Airlines will operate seven direct weekly flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. Located within a five-hour flying time, Germany is one of the top five tourism source markets for Ras Al Khaimah, and the launch of new direct flights to the emirate is expected to have a significant impact on tourism in the emirate.

This agreement is the latest in a series of strategic airline partnerships signed by the tourism authority. The new flights will deliver a significant weekly increase in visitors to Ras Al Khaimah, which is popular for its natural and cultural attractions, global hotel brands and sunny weather. Ras Al Khaimah was also named Gulf Tourism Capital for both 2020 and 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The announcement further strengthens RAKTDA’s ongoing strategy to enhance accessibility and accelerate connectivity by working closely with leading tour operators.

“We’ve seen first-hand the impact of direct connectivity as one of the main drivers of tourism, especially in a post-pandemic period.  We also know that tourists who arrive directly to the destination, stay longer and really take the time to discover our nature emirate,” said Raki Phillips, CEO, RAKTDA.

He added: “As Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism vision gains momentum, working with valued trade partners and securing new airline alliances builds on this progress, and delivering additional tourism from three major German cities, marks another major step. We look forward to welcoming more German visitors and encouraging them to embrace all that our emirate has to offer, from beaches to mountains, culture to adventure and much more.”

Yildiray Karaer, CEO of Corendon Airlines, said: “With holidaymakers increasingly looking for spacious, less congested destinations, suited for families, couples and even solo travellers, Ras Al Khaimah is a natural fit among German travellers, especially in the winter. Collaborating with a dynamic tourism authority and leading tour operators, and by connecting key cities within our network to the destination, we will bring Ras Al Khaimah’s exciting and growing tourism vision to our customers.”