ATM 2009 to see Sharjah's largest participation in 12 years

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the organizer of Sharjah's delegation to the show, considers this one of most significant participations on its agenda for the year. The Sharjah delegation includes governmental and private travel and tourism organizations.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Mohammed A. Al Noman, Director General of the SCTDA, said that Sharjah's participation in the 2009 edition of the premier show is the largest in the history of the emirate's appearance at ATM. He explained that the aim of this participation is to promote the emirate of Sharjah as one of the region's leading tourism and business destinations.

"ATM is one of the region's leading travel and tourism events, and will provide us with unique opportunity to promote our tourist products and to further boost Sharjah's already leading position on the world's tourism map," he said.

Speaking of the SCTDA's strategy for the coming period, Al Noman said:

"We have decided to continue participating in the ATM exhibition due to its importance in the regional tourism market, and to confirm Sharjah's status as a unique tourism destination in the region. We have devised new promotional strategies and plans to promote Sharjah's tourism product in the regional tourism market, focusing on GCC countries and the Middle East"

SCTDA consistently strives to present a strong presence at leading international travel and tourism events, and its appearance in this year's ATM follows the resounding success achieved by the Authority last year, where Sharjah's stand was a center of attention for leading international travel and tourism players.

SCTDA's unique 495-metre stand will display the emirate of Sharjah's cultural, heritage and leisure attractions, as well as its educational and business facilities. "Discover Sharjah", "Destination Sharjah" and other booklets and promotional materials about the emirate will be available to visitors in both Arabic and English.

The Sharjah delegation will be headed by SCTDA Chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, and will include senior representatives from the SCTDA, Sharjah International Airport Authority, Sharjah Museums Department, Al Qasba, Radisson Sas Resort, Sharjah Millennium Hotel, Sharjah National Hotels (Holiday International, Marbella Resort & Oceanic Hotel & Resort), MH Group (Sharjah Carlton Hotel, Beach Hotel Sharjah, Nova Park Hotel, Golden Beach Motel), Al Khalidiah Tourism, Al Bustan Beach Hotel, Samaya Hotel Apartments and SAHARA Group.

The SCTDA, in its capacity as organizer of the Sharjah delegation to ATM 2009, recently held a meeting for members of the delegation to review the details of the preparation program for the emirate's 12th participation in the Middle East's leading travel and tourism event. The Authority has made all necessary provisions to make the participation of the emirate's largest ever delegation in the ATM a tremendous success in all respects.

Sharjah's stand is expected to see huge interest from visitors, as the Authority has been keen to showcase Sharjah's cultural and heritage attractions in its eye catching stand.