Sharjah tourism strengthens its position in European markets

The Sharjah pavilion at the World Travel Market 2015 attracted decision makers and tourism industry representatives on the first day of the worlds leading travel event. Among the key dignitaries to visit the pavilion, His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), welcomed H.E. Abdul Rahman Al Mutaiwee, ‪UAE Ambassador to the ‪‎UK, in the presence of H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, and the accompanying delegation from the embassy.

The Sharjah delegation led by SCTDA also held a number of meetings, most notably with Christopher Rodrigues, Chairman of VisitBritain.

HE Khalid Jasim Al Madfa said the meetings with senior representatives of the tourism sector from international markets has helped promote Sharjah as a leading tourist destination for families. SCTDA utilised the opportunity to highlight the cultural and family tourism offerings and international festivals organised in Sharjah throughout the year, most notably the Sharjah Light Festival, Sharjah Water Festival, Sharjah Heritage Days and Sharjah International Book Fair.

HE Al Midfa noted that Sharjah’s participation in the WTM for the 13th consecutive year follows the success achieved in the previous years as reflected in the remarkable growth of tourists from Europe to the emirate. Hotels in Sharjah received nearly 663,000 guests from Europe in 2014, who accounted for 32 per cent of the total guests in the emirate.

HE Al Midfa stressed the Authority is aiming to achieve further growth in the tourism sector in Sharjah through integrated promotional strategies to enhance the emirate’s position in key markets by participating in major travel and tourism exhibitions and organising promotional tours in prominent cities of the new target markets.

He said SCTDA organised during the year a number of events, including the celebration of Arab Tourism Capital 2015 Award for Sharjah. It also organised in February the Sharjah Light Festival, the first festival of its kind in the region.

Sharjah has attracted considerable attention at the WTM with its diverse and distinct tourism products. Visitors to the Sharjah pavilion were briefed about the emirate’s culture and traditions as well as the international festivals organised throughout the year.

Apart from SCTDA, the Sharjah delegation included representatives from Sharjah Airport Authority, Shurooq, EPAA, Sharjah Museums, Sharjah Healthcare Authority, Sheraton Sharjah, Ramada, Al Shaab Village, Hotel Holiday International, Marbella Resort, Oceanic Hotel, Copthorne Hotel, and Sharjah Airport Travel Agency.

About SCTDA

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) was established in 1996 by Emiri Decree No. 5, with the objective of promoting commercial and tourism activities in the Emirate of Sharjah.

SCTDA endeavours to develop these sectors through various events, activities and issuances, and promotes the emirate at all local, regional and international levels.

Consequently, it carries out all the work and activities necessary to achieve their goals by way of planning and drawing up strategic plans to further development and to promote the tourism industry in all its forms. SCTDA also undertakes all related social and economic studies. It compiles the policies for participating in the local, regional and international exhibitions. SCTDA also aims at marketing and promoting Sharjah to attract foreign investment.

SCTDA uses all available means and different media to raise public awareness locally, regionally and internationally of the unique features Sharjah offers as a special tourist destination. On the international front, it seeks to participate in international and regional events and activities to promote the emirate and place it on top of the international map. Today, Sharjah has become a preferred destination for tourists from around the world.