Shurooq geared to take part in World Travel Market 2012

Shurooq, whose participation in the four-day business-to-business event forms part of its efforts to promote Sharjah as a leading investment and tourist destination in the region and the world, will be taking part alongside the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).

World Travel Market annually attracts specialised companies and agencies as well as decision makers from all over the world - attendance at last year's event reached 48,000 - and senior officials and professionals in the travel sector, as well as ministers and media representatives are expected to attend this year's event to be updated on the latest developments and trends in the travel and tourism industry.

Commenting on the Authority's participation H.E. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq said: "The World Travel Market presents a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to travel professionals from around the globe and provides a unique opportunity for the travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof. Following last year's success we are very excited to be a taking part again."

This year Shurooq will host a unique stand - its largest yet for this event - which will be dedicated to showcasing a number of Shurooq's projects.

"Through Shurooq, Sharjah continues to drive its potential to increase future tourist numbers with major investments and new developments designed to attract visitors from around the world," said Al Sarkal. "Of the five major projects currently underway or due to start, we will be showcasing the new Kalba Eco-tourism development at our stand in an effort to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the project, its significance, and the opportunities it represents."

Other projects being developed by Shurooq include The Heart of Sharjah, one of the most significant tourism and heritage projects in the UAE as well as the Chedi Khorfakkan Resort, which includes the development of the Khorfakkan Corniche. Shurooq has also recently announced plans to develop Al Hisn Island in Dibba Al Hisn, with the project to include a large water canal and a number of restaurants, cafes, and cinemas with stunning views on the canal, as well as parks, children's play areas and various other amenities. In addition the Authority will also be redeveloping the landmark previously known as "Al Jazeera Park", Sharjah's oldest tourist destination, which is situated on an island within Khalid Lagoon as well as a new leisure project at Al Badayer.

Added Al Sarkal: "Ultimately, our participation will be aimed at promoting the various investment opportunities related to the tourism and travel sector in Sharjah, introducing the emirate as an attractive tourism and investment destination, as well as at strengthening economic cooperation with participating delegations from all over the world."

Shurooq was established in 2009 with the aim of achieving social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah's distinct Arab and Islamic identity, and to encourage investment by adopting the best international standards in providing quality services that help attract investors from the region and around the world.

Shurooq's key mission is to provide facilities and incentives to help overcome obstacles facing investment activities in the emirate, evaluate tourism-related infrastructure projects, and lay down the necessary plans to complete such projects.