Global Focus on WTM

The world’s leading event in the travel and tourism industry, World Travel Market (WTM) at ExCel London from November 7-9, 2016, will see 150 exhibitors from the six emirates and GCC with an expected new business value over $3.23 billion.

Shehara Rizly

H E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa – Chairman – Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority
As an Authority we always look forward to the World Travel Market. Sharjah has a long aligned history with the UK and we always receive a warm welcome when we attend events here. We recognize fully the immense opportunity that the World Travel Market presents through its 30,000 business to business visitors and we look forward to hosting our media and trade events on the pavilion. The recent main stream coverage in the UK has generated a new surge of interest in Sharjah and the visit this week by HRH Prince Charles into Sharjah will all help in creating further interest in the emirate from this market.
Sharjah is a perfect family destination with great connectivity from the UK and Europe making this region a key part of our growth strategy moving forward. At this year’s WTM, the stand is a fusion of the best of Sharjah, showcasing product offerings ranging from the new Mleiha attraction through to the EPAA conservation areas and of course the accommodation sector. This is underlined and supported by Sharjah’s many events including the World Championship Week with its F1 Grand Prix championship race, the spectacular Sharjah Light Festival, the International Book Fair, the Art Biennial and Heritage days among others.

There are many exciting new developments in Sharjah not least the development of a cruise terminal and the ambitious airport expansion plans all of which will help support the authority in reaching its 2021 Vision of 10 million guests. Currently Western Europe contributes over 200,000 visitors into Sharjah and we are confident that with our continued efforts this will grow substantially.

Freddy Farid – Area General Manager, Gloria Hotels & Resorts
WTM is a great place to discover the latest technology pushing travel into the future, including advanced personalisation capabilities, wearable devices, and apps. Gloria Hotels & Resorts will be on the Dubai Tourism stand at World Travel Market, Stand No ME200. In 2015, UK was the second biggest tourism market for the UAE. WTM is an aid for trade; our main focus would be on relationship building and communication using marketing activities that generate leads that can be nurtured during the sales cycle. Without giving too much away we will have an aggressive strategy for 2017 to maintain a very strong business mix in corporate, leisure, MICE, government and conference and events business.

Nehme Imad Darwiche – Chief Executive Officer – Jannah Hotels and Resorts
We participate at WTM to explore new regions in Europe and to network and grow the business for Jannah Hotels & Resorts. The UK market is very important as they make up as the third largest market in all our hotels. Our focus is on residents of the UAE, GCC, Europe, United Kingdom, Germany and Russia. The exhibition contributes to the growth of the region through awareness and connecting the key players of the industry in one major platform. We work closely with Abu Dhabi Culture & Tourism Authority to attend trade shows domestically, regionally and internationally in order to attract potential markets.

T.L S Iyer – General Manager – SNTTA Emir Tours
It’s the 24th year SNTTA Emir Tours is participating in WTM. UK and Europe have been key markets for the last two decades and our objective is to increase share of business from this region. We have seen steady growth from source as well as emerging markets as the UAE continues to invest in building and enhancing its tourism infrastructure. UK has always been an attractive destination for UAE nationals & residents and interest in travelling to the UK shows a rise as seen from the outbound demand we experience. One of the largest exhibitions to showcase our products to the right clientele as it takes place at the right time of the year. Provides an opportunity to meet with existing partners as well as forge new relationships. Emir Tours will be showcasing Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah at WTM and we hope to explore new business opportunities.

Saoud AL Darmaki, CEO & Founder – Premier Travel& Tourism.
This is our fourth year participating under Abu Dhabi and we expect to expand the variety of tourism business opportunities in the European region and the world. UK market is always important to the UAE as every year many Emiratis visit UK for both business and medical tourism. Our new target markets are India, China and Japan — mainly DMCs and tour operators of these countries. Exhibitions are always important in the expansion of business relations and obtaining more opportunities in the tourism sector as well as contribute to promoting for the UAE as a country. We use the B2B marketing strategy to reach the markets by networking and offering competitive business opportunities to serve and show best quality tourism activities and products by best prices and best services.

Jerad Bachar, CDME – Executive Director – Tourism and Leisure, Bahrain Economic Development Board
We expect to convince the 50,000 industry professionals that Bahrain is a destination of choice with its authentic history and culture, warm hospitality and world class hotels and facilities. Bahrain and the UK relations date back to 1820s, around 11,000 Britons reside in Bahrain, making it one of the largest Western community of expatriates. Our aim is to ensure there are activities, experiences and facilities on offer to meet the travellers’ needs and desires. Bahrain is seeking strategic investments in accommodation, retail and leisure that will enhance the Bahrain travel experience to both regional and international visitors. Tourism contributes to 5 per cent of Bahrain’s GDP; the industry has grown from 4 million visitors per year in 2000 to 11.6 million in 2015.