Ajman, part of the UAE, is trying to book 2.2 million tourists in 2019. Photo from www.planetware.com AJMAN — The Department of Tourism Development of Ajman is embarking on an ambitious plan to raise the number of hotel guests to the emirates to 700,000 annually and to book as much as 2.2 million hotel guests by 2019.

The overall target for total hotel guests represents an increase of 64 percent, which is also expected to cause a surge in hotel occupancy rate in the emirate to 80 percent by 2021.

Saleh Al Jeziry, Director-General of the department, said the plan is an innovative year-round marketing strategy. It includes updates of administrative procedures and improved cooperation with government agencies and partners in the private sector to intensify the promotion of the emirate’s tourism attractions.

Al Jeziry added that the department will also present its plans to promote not only the emirate’s tourism spots but also sports and entertainment activities as well to develop the local tourism sector.

At the end of March 2018, overall capacity of Ajman’s 38 hotels reached 3,666 rooms or a growth of 10 percent compared to March 2017 when the total number of rooms was 3,333.

Al Jeziry said his department is continuing to work with investors in various sectors involved in the local tourism industry in addition to providing incentives and opportunities through participation in local and international tourism fairs and meetings. (WAM)