As many as 113,934 Russian tourists visited Ajman in the UAE during the first half of 2014, a top official said ahead of the emirate’s participation in a travel show in Moscow, Russia.

The International Russian Travel Market, which runs from September 16 to 19, offered an ideal opportunity to meet the decision-makers in the industry and for members of the delegation “to have a new experience”, said Hind Al Marzooqi, the head of marketing and promotion at the government-run Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD).

“Russia is one of the fastest growing tourism markets in the world and this is why Ajman is keen to take part in (the event),” she said, pointing out that
Russian holiday-makers had spent more than $43 billion overseas in 2012, a 32 per cent increase compared to 2011.

She said the ATDD chose the event “to promote investment opportunities and assist hotels and travel agencies in efforts to network with their partners, exchange knowledge and explore areas of mutual co-operation”.

At the event, the ATDD will also launch a campaign focusing on the quality services offered by Ajman’s hotels and resorts.