UAE’s flourishing new tourism destination, Ajman is aiming at UK inbound tourism with the launch of its first its first overseas office there.

Scott Marketing has been appointed to introduce the destination to the UK travel trade. He will educate and work with both front line travel agents and tour operator partners about what the destination can offer the UK and Irish consumer, and also why it is a better choice as compared to its emirati neighbours.

A new tourist hub

Just a 30-minute drive from Dubai airport, Ajman is emerging as a tourism destination, with a host of developments and hotel openings, retail expansions and a wide selection of new indoor and outdoor activities helping to put the emirate on the map.

The last year has seen the opening of a number of hotels including the Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah; the Radisson Blu Hotel Ajman; and the Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche.

With a million square metres of mangrove forest and lagoons, Al Zorah Nature Reserve was designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention. The area is home to an incredible variety of marine and plant life, and to approximately 58 species of birds, including the pink flamingo. It is located within Al Zorah community, a development with 12 kilometres of waterfront and 1.6 kilometres of natural sandy beaches where visitors can explore with guided kayak tours of the mangroves, creeks and lagoons.

With a growing number of restaurants and hotels, Ajman’s centre offers an array of dining choices including local and traditional cuisine and food festivals that will celebrate local food. One new addition is the Marsa Ajman Floating Restaurant, which offers tourists magnificent views of the mangroves during a two-hour culinary cruise through Ajman Marina. There are also a number of luxury hotels and restaurants near and along Ajman Corniche, a four-kilometre-long esplanade overlooking the Arabian Gulf. In the future, visitors will be able to enjoy Marsa Ajman; a prominent development conveniently located near hotels, which will have a mix of retail outlets, entertainment options, cafes and restaurants, and an incredible view of the Marina.

There has also been continued development in terms of projects that celebrate the heritage of Ajman. Ajman Museum is an 18th century fort with artefacts and exhibits that offer an insight into the emirate’s culture and history. Souq Saleh is the place to visit for traditional clothing, the Gold Souq sells both gold and silver jewellery, and there are daily auctions at the Fish Market. The Ajman Pearl Journey is a unique edutainment experience, teaching visitors about the rich history of the pearling industry in the Arabian Gulf region. A Dhow Cruise on a traditional wooden ship offers another interesting way to experience Ajman.

“Introduce our destination to the UK market”

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general of Ajman Tourism commented: “We are delighted to be working with Scott Marketing to introduce our destination to the UK market. Ian’s wealth of experience in both the UAE and destination marketing will prove invaluable in raising awareness of Ajman and our tourism offering.”

“A great opportunity for the UK and Irish travel trade”

Ian Scott commented: “The emirate of Ajman offers a great opportunity for the UK and Irish travel trade and I look forward to supporting our tour operator and travel agent partners, developing a deeper understanding of the destination. It is extremely exciting to be working with this amazing and lesser known emirate and to be able to utilise my contacts, experience and knowledge of the UAE having spent so many years representing Dubai.”

Scott Marketing was set up in June of this year by Ian Scott. Scott has been in the travel industry for over 20 years, with eight of these spent as the UK Director for Dubai Tourism and more recently two years representing Dubai Parks and Resorts. Scott has also worked with Trinidad and Tobago, Nassau Paradise Island, First Choice Holidays and Disney.