The Ajman Tourism Development Department, ATDD, has unveiled multi-million-Dollar tourism projects in the emirate, highlighting its status as a major tourism and investment destination for the UK market.

Visitors and exhibitors at World Travel Market, WTM, in London, expressed their interests in the soon-to-open Oberoi Al Zorah luxury hotel. Also showcased was the 182-key hotel in Ajman Corniche by R Hotels, the hospitality arm of Ajman-based R Holding, which was launched at a cost of $40.9 million (AED150 million) and is expected to open in 2017.

Other major projects include a new restaurant complex being constructed in Ajman Marina and a new shopping and entertainment complex next to Ajman Fish Market.

Speaking on the outcome of Ajman Tourism’s first day participation at WTM 2016, Faisal Al Nuaimi, General Manager of ATDD, said, "We made the best use of our participation on the first day of WTM where we met with potential investors and key players in the travel industry, with an anticipation of conducting a series of business match-making events and meetings in the remaining days of the event."

"In accordance with the trends and targets of Ajman Vision 2021, our delegation to WTM highlighted its significant efforts with regard to the development of tourism infrastructure in the emirate, with the focus of increasing the number of visitors in 2017 by 20 percent, following the remarkable growth of tourists from Europe, as Hotels in Ajman registered nearly 115,000 guests from Europe in 2015," he added.

A number of meetings and interactions were also held with representatives of other tourism destinations and agencies to introduce them to Ajman's offerings for international travellers and investors, and to enhance business investments, especially holiday season packages and promotions, including National Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The Ajman visitor’s guide in Braille, in English and Arabic, was also launched at WTM for blind and visually impaired tourists who would like to learn more about the destination.

Visitors were briefed on international festivals organised throughout the year, including the Liwa Ajman Dates Festival, and sporting events including Ride Ajman.