SCTDA celebrates 2008 achievements

So said HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the SCTDA, in a speech delivered at the Authority's annual ceremony, which was held at the Coral Beach Resort in Sharjah.

Al Qassimi explained that the Authority implements promotional campaigns based on in-depth studies of the global economic changes, which provide it with an up-to-the-minute, in-depth understanding of the current situation, and enable it to act to preserve Sharjah's image as the 'Cultural Capital of the Arab World' and a leading regional hub for business, tourism and culture.

"With the current global economic changes, we are extremely aware of our role and responsibilities in overcoming the challenges facing the tourism sector, fostering awareness among communities of the importance of tourism, and enhancing Sharjah's presence at the regional and international level. This requires a high level of transparency and a strong ability to face challenges head-on in order to achieve the planned outputs. Our studies and analyses of the current situation have enabled us to map out a way forward, and set work strategies that perfectly fit our objectives of developing the emirate's business and tourism sectors."

"In 2008, the SCTDA was able to successfully launch our new promotional strategies and participate in international events, which played a significant role in further enhancing Sharjah's position on the world's tourism map. We also achieved tremendous success in launching and implementing major projects that aim to increase the tourist influx into Sharjah. Our most important achievement of the year was the unveiling of the new Brand Sharjah, while the landmark new hotel classification law also came into force this year, enabling the hospitality sector to enter new phase of excellence in quality service and performance."

Al Qassimi also touched briefly on the key milestones achieved by the SCTDA in 2008:

"We are proud of the position the emirate is occupying the world's tourism map. The SCTDA has become a regular award winner at both international and local events, and has hosted such world-class entertainment and family-oriented events as the final round of the UIM Formula One Powerboat World Championship, and the Sharjah-Etisalat Water Festival. Through our implementation of large-scale international promotional activities, we were able to expand our global reach, and sign a number of international agreements that will help to further develop the emirate's tourism sector."

The Chairman concluded by extending heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Their Excellencies the Members of SCTDA's Board of Directors, for their continuous support, and to all of the SCTDA's employees for their dedicated efforts to achieving the Authority's objectives of enhancing Sharjah's business and tourism positions locally, regionally and internationally.

Al Qassimi, along with HE Mr Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Director General of the SCTDA, also presented awards to various SCTDA employees in recognition of outstanding performance and their significant contribution to the Authority's success in 2008.