SCTDA announces its participation in World Travel Market exhibition

More than 47,000 visitors representing over 200 countries and tourism driven institutions is expected to attend.

The SCTDA's delegation will be lead by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of the SCTDA, with other members representing various official institutions, including the SCTDA, Al Qasba' Development Authority, Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency, Radisson Blue Resort and Hotel, Coral Beach, and Orient Tours.

Sharjah's participation in the exhibition this year denotes the importance of developing a global tourism sector and attracting more tourists. The exhibition also represents a great opportunity for discussing and establishing collaborative work with tourism and travel experts to develop the tourism sector in the emirate by targeting world-class markets.

Last year, the SCTDA was hugely successful at the exhibition, garnering attention from numerous tourism experts from all over the world.

This year, Sharjah's promotional identity will once again get a new look through its distinguished suite, which covers an area of 202 square meters. It will, among others, represent the economic sectors in the emirate, while English language publications containing accurate information about Sharjah will be available to visitors at the stand.

Says Al Qassimi, on the importance of the event, "Our participation in the World Travel Market exhibition is very important at this stage, especially considering the development of the tourism sector and infrastructure of Sharjah. In addition, the exhibition provides us with an opportunity to market a wide range of tourism products that showcase the brilliant aspects of Sharjah and its distinguished status on the global tourism map, and we believe that keeping in touch with international markets is vital in order to keep up with future developments.

"Needless to say, the World Travel Market provides a fantastic opportunity for Sharjah to introduce its unique tourism products, and participation in this event has become a pivotal part of the SCTDA's strategies for promoting the emirate, given the dismal economic situation which has negatively affected the global tourism sector. As such, the SCTDA is keen on participating in the event each year, as the British and European tourism markets in particular are designated as very important to the emirate of Sharjah," he added.

Al Qassimi went on to say, "The challenges faced by the tourism sector require us to combine our efforts and available resources to achieve our set goals. As such, all tourism-oriented institutions and establishments are working as a team to introduce Sharjah as a leading tourism destination."

"Sharjah is a favorite destination among European tourists, with 33% of the total tourist flow to the emirate coming from Europe. This shows the significance of Sharjah's tourism products in the European market, as well as Sharjah's distinct place as a leading tourist destination in the world," he added.

The SCTDA has organized a gathering for its delegation at the World Travel Market exhibition, which forms part of the Authority's strategy to support its participation in the exhibition and to keep the audience updated. The SCTDA's suite at the exhibition is also expected to garner huge attention as the Authority has provided numerous attractions for visitors.