Total 600 words used.

Challenge:

 Authentic travel experiences demand authenticity in storytelling and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the local communities and destinations we love.  Many studies found that a destination's perceived authenticity also drives overall satisfaction with a visit as well as tourists' behavioral intentions, such as seeking more information about the destination, visiting again, and promoting it through positive word-of-mouth. Authentic tourism offers travelers a richer, more meaningful journey. Building personal connections with locals and experiencing their way of life provides a deeper insight into the destination, leaving travelers with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for diverse cultures. Also, we found in analyzing the opportunities and threats in Ajman tourism that Being an authentic tourism destination with distinctive ethnic culture, traditions, and cuisine is one of the opportunities that will increase the length of stay and create a great memories and increase travelelers' satisfaction.

Objective:

To elevate Ajman's presence in the U.A.E tourism sector, combining sustainability with digital innovation, and bringing socio-economic upliftment, Ajman tourism offers a range of authentic experiences that provide visitors to engage with local culture and contribute to the GDP and the economy of the city. The initiative is  focusing on creating  new businesses, in Ajman Destination, Masfout and Almanama by using new innovative business model through focusing on digital transformation, to bookable online experiences uniquely based on local community – focused tourism for personalized tours.

 

Goals:

• Sustainable Tourism: Eco-friendly initiatives, while celebrating and promoting the rich traditions, handicrafts, and heritage unique to Ajman.
   
• Digital Transformation: Transition Ajman's traditional offerings into dynamic, bookable online experiences. Additionally, we'll work to digitize and empower local, home-based businesses, bridging the technological divide.
   
• Economic Development: Targeting assistance towards the unemployed and those with inconsistent incomes, ensuring consistent revenue streams for those offering quality services.
   
• Cultural Revival: Spotlight Ajman’s historical centers, bringing attention to the region's timeless traditions and untapped potential.
   
• Social Empowerment: Prioritize the involvement of women and youth in the tourism sector, amplifying their voices and providing avenues for growth. This aligns with our broader commitment to Fair Trade principles and the benefits they bring to the community.

Host Identification Criteria:

1. Current employment status: Preference to those unemployed or with unsteady incomes.
    
2. Dependency: Those with dependents relying on them for financial support.
    
3. Digital Literacy: Preference to those who can benefit the most from digital training.
    
4. Service Quality: Those who already maintain a high standard of service.
    
5. Location: Inhabitants of historical centers or those associated with community groups.
    
6. SDG Alignment: Those whose services or products align with one or more SDGs Goals.

Our work is  divided into three phases:

1. Helping the community of Ajman City and Masfout to create a vision of their locale as a destination
    
2. Activating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem
    
3. Identifying existing businesses’ needs and potential and then providing the training that both meets these needs and benefits new tourism entrepreneurs

Approach

1. Helping the community of Ajman and Masfout to create a vision of their locale as a destination
    
2. Activating the local entrepreneurial ecosystem
    
3. Identifying existing businesses’ needs and potential and then providing the training that both meets these needs and benefits new tourism entrepreneurs
    
4. Support the sustainability in Ajman tourism by engaging the community to be part of the tourism industry and also support the contribution to the emirate GDP and create the revenue to the community.
    
5. Interview 15 hosts and Choose 3 hosts (3 new authentic tourism experience)
    
6. Capacity Development (Curriculum creation, Digital Literacy and Business Training, Organic placemaking identification)
    
7. Convert (from people, experiences, talents) into “bookable” content.
    
8. Onboarding hosts to be online
    
9. Promoting and Increase booking rates by 15% through marketing campaign