Impact tourism in Ajman increased considerably in 2022 despite the difficulties
At the ongoing Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) and its partners from the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries are presenting innovative and safe tourism projects centred on sustainability. In a press statement issued by the ADTD, it says that these initiatives support the sustainable tourism standards envisioned in the Ajman Tourism Vision 2030, which in turn would see the emirate become a significant global tourist destination with an emphasis on eco and sustainable tourism initiatives.
The statement says that impact tourism in Ajman increased considerably in 2022 despite the difficulties, which is a testament to the industry’s fortitude and the rising confidence of international tourists. The average daily room rate (ADR) increased by 14 pc in 2022 compared to 2021, and the revenue per available room (Revpar) rose by 7 pc, resulting in a 9 pc rise 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.
ADTD adds that global research portal Numbeo.com has ranked Ajman as the fourth safest city in the world for 2023. This further increases Ajman’s tourism appeal, particularly to foreign visitors who choose visiting safest destinations for leisure travel. Additionally, the recently issued regulations by ADTD on holiday homes are set to boost the tourism industry and enable individual homeowners and corporates alike to register their properties for short-term leases to tourists.
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 the 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 the main source market occupying the 4th position, says the statement.
ADTD goes on to say that the number of attractions in the emirate, such as pristine natural beaches, mangroves, a growing number of hotels, resorts, restaurants, traditional markets, entertainment facilities, and new tourism developments that serve both domestic and foreign tourists, has been contributing to the steady growth of tourism in Ajman. Following a stellar growth in 2022, Ajman hotels and serviced apartments recorded a 3 pc 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.
“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,” says Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development.
The statement says that young adult (19-35) continues to occupy the biggest share of the age profile followed by middle aged (36-55) both contributing to around 70 pc of the total arrivals. Although business tourism is picking up, leisure remains the main purpose of visit to Ajman representing 70 pc of the total arrivals.
The total number of arrivals from the United Kingdom increased 7 pc in 2022 compared to 2021, while the number of German nationals jumped 31 pc last year. The total number of India arrivals increased 15 pc in 2022 over 2021. However, the number of visitors from Oman witnessed the biggest jump – a whopping 185 pc in 2022 compared to 2021. International arrivals from Egypt increased 13 pc while the number of Saudi Arabian visitors jumped 102 pc in 2022 compared to 2021.
“Our participation at the ATM 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.
The statement adds that 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.
