Tourism in Ajman rises by 20 percent in first quarter of 2016

The emirate of Ajman saw a surge in the number of tourists visiting the state in this year’s first quarter.

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) reported that the emirate saw a 20 percent increase in guest arrivals, generating total tourism revenue of $29.4 million.

Between January and March, 142,404 visitors reportedly spent 313,724 guest nights, raising the hotel apartments occupancy rate to 76 percent – 22 percent higher than it was in the same period last year.

Tourists from within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) continued to account for the highest number of guests (34,334), followed by 28,228 guests from Asia and African countries, and 13,129 from Europe.

“The Ajman Tourism Development Department was established to promote the emirate of Ajman as a safe family, business and leisure destination,” Faisal Al Nuaimi, general manager of the ATDD, told the Gulf News Journal. “We have developed a strategic plan to promote tourism in Ajman by participating in local, regional and international exhibitions, conferences and promotional campaigns.”

The exhibits Al Nuaimi referred to include: ITB (Internationale Tourismus-Börse) in Berlin, the world's largest tourism trade fair; the ATM (Arabian Travel Market) in Dubai, an international event that attracts travel professionals from 86 countries and regions to Dubai for four days; WTM (World Travel Market) in London; and road shows in China and Europe.

“On all these occasions we highlight Ajman’s unique offerings and meet with potential partners who can work and support us in reaching our vision for Ajman,” he said. “We have created a new brand identity for the Emirate of Ajman and a slogan 'Sincerely Emirati,' which embodies the true spirit of modern Emirati hospitality.”  

Al Nuaimi added that ATDD has developed a website (www.ajman.travel) as “a comprehensive, one-stop gateway” for travelers to explore and discover Ajman as a business, family and leisure destination.  

Ajman is one of seven states that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and is the smallest of the emirates by area.

In addition to offering cultural attractions, food and sporting activities, Ajman is known for its picturesque beaches, which is why it is home to prestigious hotel brands, Al Nuaimi said.

One might assume there is a competitive vein among the emirates, but Al Nuaimi said the opposite is true, emphasizing that the emirates “support and complement each other and our common goal is to promote the UAE as a destination.”    

The 20 percent increase is significant for Ajman, Al Nuaimi said, because it reflects an increased global interest in the state.

“In line with the strategic plan of Ajman government, ATDD is working to make Ajman the most suitable place for tourists visiting the UAE,” he said. “We want them to spend a memorable holiday when coming here so we are doing our best to improve the overall tourist experience.   The increase in the number of visitors to Ajman indicates that we are seeing the results of our efforts to create awareness of Ajman on a global scale.”