The number of guests in Ajman’s hotels increased by 14 per cent in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year, while occupancy rate grew by five per cent, a media report said.

Ajman’s total revenue from the tourism and hospitality sector was Dh242 million ($65.8 million) as compared to Dh228 million in the same period last year, an increase of six per cent, reported Emirates news agency Wam.

 Hotel data shows that the average return on a hotel room in the first half of this year grew by 20 per cent compared to the first half of 2017.

The development of excursions and attractions in Ajman was reflected in the average length of stay by guests at hotels, with an increase of 16 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: "Through the implementation of solid promotional plans, ATDD was able to target regional and international markets that export a large number of tourists abroad; its active participation in major specialised trade and tourism exhibitions around the world contributed both directly and indirectly to the definition of Ajman’s tourist product.

“In addition, ATDD organised promotional tours in European and Asian countries and signed partnerships and agreements of cooperation with leading tourist companies in many countries around the world. In recent months, ATDD has succeeded in attracting a number of entertainment and cultural events that have contributed to the revitalisation of tourism and to the increase in hotel occupancy in Ajman.

"ATDD intensified its efforts over the last period in order to expand the base of tourist activities, strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors, and encourage the private sector to support and provide the best tourism services to visitors to Ajman as part of an integrated tourism investment vision based on the objectives of Ajman 2021, in addition to a number of environmental and recreational projects in line with the increasing growth in the number of tourists visiting Ajman,” Sheikh Abdulaziz added.