RAKTDA launches Free Visa Initiative for Indian MICE and Wedding Events

Image processed by CodeCarvings Piczard ### FREE Community Edition ### on 2024-06-28 09:59:33Z | http://piczard.com | http://codecarvings.com†î?¥>¤~

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) introduce an initiative tailored for Indians: complimentary visas for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and Wedding events.

The initiative, which will officially launch in July 2024 and run through March 2025, will offer groups an even greater incentive to stage their wedding or corporate event in Ras Al Khaimah and experience the emirate’s breathtaking beauty while making use of its world-class facilities. Under the initiative, RAKTDA will provide free visas for Indian groups booking a minimum two-night stay in any of Ras Al Khaimah’s world-class hotels. The offer is open to groups with at least 100 guests per night, with visa costs being covered by RAKTDA, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

India has proven key to Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism growth plans, with the country consistently ranking among its top five visitor source markets worldwide. In 2023 alone, the emirate recorded a 20% increase in Indian visitor numbers, a trend that is likely to accelerate with the introduction of this initiative. Getting to Ras Al Khaimah from India is also easier than ever, with direct flights from major Indian cities like Mumbai and Hyderabad with IndiGo. The emirate’s proximity to Dubai International Airport also ensures excellent connectivity.

Iyad Rasbey, Vice President of Destination Tourism Development, RAKTDA said, “We saw a 23% growth in MICE revenue and 103% increase in wedding-related revenue in 2023 and are eager to build on this success.”

In 2023, Ras Al Khaimah introduced new laws governing civil marriages and a streamlined wedding planner certification programme, making it easier for local and international planners to arrange wedding ceremonies on behalf of couples living outside the UAE.