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.”
