The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has noted a 14 per cent increase in hotel revenue during the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year. Ajman’s hotel industry also showed an increase of 40 per cent in the number of guest nights, indicating an increase of interest from tourists.
There were a total of 3,420 rooms and units for Ajman during the second quarter, an increase of 14.5 per cent, and the emirate’s top five visitors during this period were from the UAE, followed by GCC, Asian and Africans, other Arab countries and Russians. From these nationals, Asians and Africans spent the highest number of guest nights followed by other Arab countries, Europeans, UAE and GCC.TTN spoke to ATDD general manager Faisal Al Nuaimi, for additional insight.'The Ajman Tourism Development Department is in the process of adopting a marketing plan that will include the strategies, events and activities that we will carry out to increase the number of tourist visiting the emirate. 'We are targeting an annual number of five million visitors to Ajman by 2021 so the department is carefully studying plans to achieve this goal. We are collaborating with the different government departments in the emirate and the hospitality sectors to implement the plans such as the city sightseeing tour bus, which we will launch soon.'On the side lines of Arabian Travel Market 2015 in May, ATDD and Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) signed a strategic cooperation agreement to strengthen collaboration and promote all tourism and cultural landmarks and historic sites in Ajman and Sharjah. As part of this agreement, Shurooq’s City Sightseeing Sharjah hop-on, hop-off bus tour will expand its services to Ajman.On the development side, a joint venture between Lebanese developer Solidere and the government of Ajman, Al Zorah Development, launched two new projects during CityScape Global. The first will have 800 homes overlooking the scheme’s recently completed 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, while 130 homes will be built close to the beach.'Al Zorah is a nature reserve along a seven-kilometre stretch of waterfront in northern Ajman. This spectacular resort project will feature five-star Oberoi and Lux hotels, creekside residences, a beach club, a golf course (a first for Ajman), fine-dining restaurants, a marina and a variety of water sports along the creek and at sea,' says Al Nuaimi.Ajman-based hotel operator R Hotels announced plans earlier this year for a new 182-key property to be located at the Ajman Corniche, beside Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman, which is also owned and managed by R Hotels. Targeting the leisure and corporate segments, the property will feature rooms with sea views, a restaurant, spa and fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Earlier this year, a new international airport was announced for Ajman with an expected opening in 2018. The Ajman Marina project has also been launched in the emirate, with plans of sporting and entertainment events, along with cycling and running tracks.'The emirate of Ajman offers a unique experience because we combine the wonders of our history and archaeology with recreational, ecological and religious attractions. We take pride in having a beautiful 16km stretch of beach overlooking the Arabian Gulf where a number of high-end international hotel chains are located such as Fairmont, Kempinski and Starwood. 'The beauty of the region’s natural landscape is showcased at some of our nature reserve areas where visitors can discover the rarest flora and fauna. For modern attraction, Ajman boasts a variety of activities, shops, luxury spas and restaurants. A melting pot of old and new, Ajman is a laid-back, sun-drenched destination with a world of adventure, wildlife and tradition to explore,' concludes Al Nuaimi.Staff report