Ras al-Khaimah — one of
the emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the east side of the Persian
Gulf, meaning 'Top of the Tent' — and Nepal can promote tourism jointly as they
have lots to offer each other through more connectivity.
"RAK Airways has
connected Kathmandu and Ras al-Khaimah with three weekly flights,
currently," said chief executive of the airlines John Brayford.
"With the addition
of a new aircraft, we are planning to add one more flight to Kathmandu making
it a total of four flights a week soon," he said, adding that the airlines
that aims at providing quality service is ready to package Nepal with other
destinations with fantastic value for tourists.
RAK Airways — that takes
care of passengers individually — will not only promote Ras al-Khaimah but also
Nepal, he added.
"In coordination
with RAK Airways, this month we have started new packages for inbound tourists
to Ras al-Khaimah, in the first phase," said general manager of Blue Waves
Travel and Tourism Alaeddin Zayed.
Next month, Blue Waves —
a sister company of RAK Airways — is planning to prepare a package for
Kathmandu targeting German and Russian expatriates based in Ras al-Khaimah, he
added.
Nepal not only offers a
world class golf experience similar to the Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras al-Khaimah
but also a unique trekking experience, especially for the Germans and Russians,
who are a majority among Ras al-Khaimah expatriates.
Germans are the fifth
largest visitors to Nepal and the number of Russian tourists has also seen a
continuous rise in recent years.
Like Nepal, Ras
al-Khaimah offers guests world class service which is comparatively cheaper
than in Dubai, which is 45 minutes drive from Ras al-Khaimah, according to
Zayed. "But the company with complete service from helping with visa formalities
to fun and city tours to desert safari is packaging Ras al-Khaimah with other
destinations too."
"It is fast
becoming a new destination on the tourist map," said corporate
communications executive of RAK Airways Elizabeth Percy, adding that it is home
to five-star hotels and beach resorts including Hilton, Rotana and Banyan Tree.
Apart from Ice Land water park that offers leisure opportunity for both
residents and visitors, there is Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club and the newly
established Rak Sailing Academy that offers both sport opportunities and fun
sailing.
"Joint tourism
promotion between Ras al-Khaimah and Kathmandu would benefit both the countries
as they complement each other," said Percy, who is planning some FAM trips
for scribes in UAE to Nepal soon. 