Ajman Tourism Showcases Sustainable & Safe Tourism Projects at the Arabian Travel Market

• Ajman Holiday Homes program comes into effect as the emirate projects Tourism Vision 2030 at the Arabian Travel Market
• Ajman is a leisure tourism destination that offers a number of heritage, eco-tourism, adventure and nature tourism projects

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) and its partners in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors are set to present pioneering and secure tourism projects focused on sustainability at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) held from May 1 to 4, 2023 at Dubai World Trade Center.

These projects align with the sustainable tourism guidelines envisioned in Ajman Tourism Vision 2030 – which will see the emirate emerge as a major international tourist destination in the world with a focus on sustainable and eco-tourism projects.

The recently issued regulations by ADTD on Holiday Homes, which come into effect this May, are set to boost the tourism industry and enable individual homeowners and corporates alike to register their properties for short-term leases to tourists.

Ajman has been named the fourth safest city in the world for 2023, bypassing several regional peer cities by Numbeo.com, a global research portal, that will add to its tourism attractions, especially to international tourists who prefers to visit safest destinations for leisure travel. 

Tourism in Ajman has been growing steadily due to the emirate’s growing number of attractions that includes pristine natural beaches, mangroves, a growing number of hotels, resorts, restaurants, traditional markets, entertainment facilities and new tourism developments that cater to both domestic and international  tourists.

The emirate of Ajman, hosts 44 hotel establishments ranging from 1-star to 5-star hotels, resorts and luxury hotel apartments with 3,997 hotel rooms and 250 tourism establishments that serve a growing number of regional and international tourists.

Following a stellar growth in 2022, Ajman hotels and serviced apartments recorded a 3 percent growth in hotel revenues in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022 – mostly due to higher demand that is pushing the Average Daily Room (ADR) Rate, making investment in hotels and tourism industry more profitable.

Young Adult (19-35) continues to occupy the biggest share of age profile followed by Middle Aged (36-55) both contributing to around 70 percent of the total arrivals. Although business tourism is picking up, leisure remains the main purpose of visit to Ajman representing 70 percent of the total arrivals. 

“Our participation at ATM comes in support of our partners from the travel, tourism, hospitality and government sectors who will collectively promote the destination Ajman – the best-kept secret of the UAE’s tourism industry,” His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said.

“Our participation at the Arabian Travel Market comes at the backdrop of continuous growth in the tourism industry which is a major contributor to the emirate’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as well as the recently announced Public-Private Partnership law that came into effect from January 2023 that will boost investment in tourism projects in the coming years, when we will see the development of new hotel resorts, sustainable tourism development projects”, he added.

Despite the challenges in 2022, impact tourism in Ajman grew steadily that reflects the industry’s resilience and the growing confidence among international tourists. The Average Daily Room (ADR) rate grew 14 percent in 2022 over 2021 while revenue per available room (Revpar) increased 7 percent that resulted in 9 percent growth in tourism revenue.

 The number of non-UAE residents (international arrivals) increased by 26 percent in 2022 compared to 2021 which shows that Ajman has set itself on the international tourism map and demand on Ajman is increasing. 

UAE continues to be the main source markets in Ajman – mainly staycations, corporate business and MICE business while Russian Federation, India, UK and Germany are within our top 10 international feeder markets. 

GCC countries are also main feeder market to Ajman, with Oman (2) coming on top of GCC markets, followed by Saudi Arabia (6).  Egypt occupies a strong position within main source market occupying the 4th. Position. 

The total number of arrivals from the United Kingdom increased 7 percent in 2022 compared to 2021, while the number of German nationals jumped 31 percent last year. The total number of India arrivals increased 15 percent in 2022 over 2021. However, the number of visitors from Oman witnessed the biggest jimp – a whopping 185 percent in 2022 compared to 2021. International arrivals from Egypt increased 13 percent while the number of Saudi Arabian visitors jumped 102 percent in 2022 compared to 2021.

ADTD recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Aleph Hospitality, UAE-based leading independent hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa to invest in new hotel resorts as well as to develop The WeLodge Masfout as a preferred destination for mountain biking, sports, and recreation. 

This will help Masfout region within the emirate of Ajman to strengthen its tourism attractiveness with its abundant landscape that is rich in marble supported by cool climate compared to other places in Ajman due to its high altitude above sea level, which makes it an ideal location suitable for outdoor activities like jogging, mountain running, hiking, mountain cycling, and picnics, as well as exploring breathtaking valleys and colossal mountains.

The emirate of Ajman boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, which is highlighted by some of its most significant tourist destinations including the Ajman Museum and Masfout Museum, and the House of Rashed Alkhadar.. Meanwhile, the soon-to-be-opened House of Rashed Alkhadar is the first Poetry House in Ajman, dedicated to honoring the life of the city's renowned son, a master of nabati and classic Arabic poetry. The Ajman Department of Tourism Development and the Municipality and Planning Department have collaborated to refurbish and preserve the poet's house, transforming it into a haven for poetry enthusiasts and a platform for promoting Emirati identity. The restoration aims to showcase the life and accomplishments of the renowned poet, as well as highlight the linguistic prowess of Emirati citizens in effectively conveying emotions and messages through their words. Ultimately, the project serves as a bridge connecting the past and present, fostering a deeper appreciation for Emirati culture and heritage.

ADTD continues to offer many incentives and facilities to foreign investments, and support local ones in solid collaboration with its strategic partners, to help transform Ajman into a preferred destination for lucrative business ventures.