SCTDA discusses strategies to minimize impact of economic crisis

So said H.E. Mr. Mohamed A. Al Noman, Director General of the SCTDA, in a speech delivered at a meeting with hoteliers and tourism industry representatives, held at Al Qasba Business Centre. The aim of the meeting was to develop a common approach to minimize the negative impact of the current global economic crisis on the tourism sector in the emirate of Sharjah.

The meeting was opened by a speech in which Mr. Al Noman welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of holding such meetings to exchange information and views with the mutual aim of addressing the current challenges and supporting the emirate's tourism sectors.

The SCTDA's Director General reviewed the initiatives developed to attract tourists from all over the world, the most prominent of which is the Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival. "For the past few years, we have been planning to organize and sponsor events on the local, regional and international level with the aim of further developing the Sharjah's tourist appeal and increasing the number of tourists visiting the emirate," said Al Noman.

Hoteliers focused on the necessity of developing promotional initiatives for the emirate across the region, with a particular focus on GCC countries, and suggested developing holiday packages in Sharjah in association with Air Arabia. They, along with representatives of the emirate's travel and tourism sector, stressed the importance of the current trend of focusing on internal tourism, and said that the flow of tourists into Sharjah from the other emirates should be increased.

One of the hot topics at the meeting was that of public-private sector joint ventures. Al Noman highlighted the importance of public-private sector cooperation in the current climate, adding that there are major new public-private joint venture projects that have yet to be announced, but are in the pipeline.

Speaking of the public sector projects being developed in the emirate Al Noman said, "We are working under the prudent directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The growth achieved in the emirate's various sectors, including the tourism sector, can be attributed mainly to his advanced vision and wise leadership."

"We have a numerous mega-projects that will be announced in 2009, and that are projected to fill the gap in the tourism sector. Constructive cooperation among the different economic sectors, as well as the public and private sectors, is required to achieve this purpose", he added. "The UAE has one of the world's most successful models in the tourism sector, and Sharjah has been always committed to making a significant contribution to the UAE's growth in the tourism sector."

Al Noman also discussed the necessity of reducing hotel rates to increase occupancy during the ongoing economic crisis, and said that the 50-200 percent increase in rates seen in the last three years should be restudied. "We are aware of the decline in demand for hotels right now, and we should work together to boost the hospitality sector in the emirate," said Al Noman.

Hoteliers and representatives of the emirate's travel and tourism sector suggested increasing Sharjah's international presence and targeting new markets, and adding to the number of scheduled participations in international exhibitions on the SCTDA's agenda.

"We must continue our participation in international events and open up new markets in response to the entry of new hotel premises into the local markets. Our participations must be global, and we are planning innovative new promotional strategies that will further boost the emirate's tourist appeal,"

said Al Noman.

At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees praised the SCTDA's efforts to minimize the negative impact of the current global economic turmoil, and expressed their hope that the meeting would result in an outstanding performance for the sector throughout the current year. Recommendations from the meeting included promotional tours in major GCC cities in 2009 and inviting GCC travel and tourism agencies to visit the emirate.

Al Noman said the SCTDA will improve its promotional campaigns in the region and organize more local activities such as Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival. He stressed the importance of cooperation with government authorities, such as the Al Qasba Development Authority, the Sharjah Museums Department and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry to successfully promote the events organized by the SCTDA. He also recommended developing holiday packages in cooperation with Air Arabia throughout this year.