Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority begins 6th participation in World Travel Market

The Sharjah delegation, led by H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, SCTDA Chairman and H.E. Saeed Obaid Al Jarwan, SCTDA Deputy Chairman, includes H.E. Abdulwahab Al Roomi, Director General of the Department of Civil Aviation, H.E. Ali Salim Al Mahmoud, General Manager of the Sharjah Economic Development Department, H.E. Marwan Jasim Al Sirkal, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority, H.E. Mohamed A. Al Noman, Director General of SCTDA, and H.E. Ali Salem Al Midfa', Director of Sharjah International Airport. A number of other officials, VIPs and representatives of Sharjah organizations make up the remainder of the delegation, including members of the SCTDA, Al Qasba Development Authority, Sharjah international Airport Authority, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency, Sharjah Museums Department, Radisson Blu Hotel and Resort, Coral Beach Resort and Orient Tours.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, SCTDA Chairman, stresses that Sharjah's participation in the exhibition this year denotes the importance of developing the global tourism sector and attracting more tourists. The exhibition also presents an excellent opportunity for discussion and collaboration with tourism and travel experts in order to develop Sharjah's tourism sector.

Says Al Qassimi:

"The focus on World Travel Market is very important at this point in the development of Sharjah's tourism industry, especially with the huge 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 show Sharjah's exceptional attractions and its distinguished status on the global tourism map, and we believe that keeping in touch with international markets is vital if we are to keep up with future developments."

"Needless to say, the World Travel Market provides us with a fantastic opportunity to introduce Sharjah's unique tourism products, and participation in such events has become a pivotal part of the SCTDA's strategy to promote the emirate, particularly given the dismal economic situation that has affected the global tourism sector. As such, SCTDA is keen on participating in the World Travel Market each year, as the British and European markets in particular are designated as very important markets to the emirate of Sharjah", added Al Qassimi.

This is the SCTDA's sixth consecutive participation in the World Travel Market, and follows the huge success the Authority had at the 2008 exhibition, during which it garnered attention from numerous tourism experts from all over the world.

Sharjah is a favoured tourism destination for European tourists, who made up 33% of total tourists visiting the emirate in the first half of 2009.

The SCTDA's stand at the World Travel Market is expected to garner huge attention as the Authority has provided numerous attractions for exhibition visitors.