WORLD Travel Market (WTM) has signed six out of the seven emirates to be represented at WTM 2014.
Exhibiting at the event for the first time this year will be the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD). It will be joined by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, which made its debut at WTM in 2013, and will return for 2014 with a larger stand.Four other emirates have attended WTM for many years: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah. The only state from UAE which will not be at WTM is Umm Al Quwain, which has the smallest population of the seven emirates.Faisal Al Nuaimi, the general manager of ATDD, said WTM will see the launch of a promotional campaign aimed at luring more tourists to Ajman.ATDD will showcase the emirate’s heritage, castles and archaeology along with recreational, ecological and religious attractions. “At WTM 2014, ATDD will highlight a number of messages, including ATDD’s delivering of a unique experience in terms of stakeholder satisfaction.”Ras Al Khaimah – the northern-most emirate of the UAE – is just 45 minutes from Dubai International Airport and launched its Tourism Development Authority (TDA) in 2011.The UK is one of Ras Al Khaimah’s top three source markets and British tourists primarily visit to enjoy the emirate’s beach hotels and resorts, which feature brands such as Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree by Hilton and Banyan Tree.Steven Rice, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah TDA, commented: “Our presence at WTM comes as a testament of our commitment to continue strengthening our ties with the UK as one of our top source markets; and exemplifies our initiatives to further grow the emirate’s brand presence, which with its temperate climate, stunning landscapes, best beaches in the UAE and vast outdoor adventure offering, is fast establishing itself internationally as a premier global affordable luxury destination.“We are looking forward to meeting leading tour operators, marketing opportunities and potential travel trade partners.”World Travel Market, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “WTM has traditionally been a must-attend event for the tourism giants in the UAE and it has been gratifying to see the travel industry growth in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah over the years.