TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
At World Travel Market (WTM) in London, tourist boards, travel companies and hotels from the MENA region will have a diverse new range of opportunities to connect and reap more business through the networking sessions.
HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA
Our participation in leading global events such as WTM forms part of our efforts to promote the emirate of Sharjah regionally and internationally as an ideal destination for family tourism, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Thanks to our relentless efforts to diversify tourism offerings by focusing more on sports and adventure activities as well as cultural offerings, we have been able to position the emirate as the family destination of the region. Through our 17th consecutive participation at WTM, we will showcase Photography Mirror, Sharjah Boat, and VR experience. Furthermore, we will draw attention to Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 and SCTDA’s collaboration with European travel trade to meet targets. The emirate’s eco-tourism products, key developments such as airport expansion, Khorfakkan projects, and new marine connectivity between Sharjah and Dubai will also be highlighted.
HE Saeed Al Samahi, Director General, Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority
This year at WTM, we are participating with our key partners to showcase the diversity of our emirate. UK is an important source market for the UAE, hence, we attend not only to network with our existing partners but also to seek new partners and opportunities. The emirate received a considerable number of visitors last year and this year, we expect an increase in visitor numbers as we have new properties. We continue with our marketing strategy to promote the destination in every possible manner.
Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority
WTM is a great vehicle for promoting our breadth of offerings. We hope to expand our sales base, educate and excite potential future partners, and showcase a destination that we are immensely proud of. Ras Al Khaimah has significantly increased its adventure and sustainable tourism offering in recent years. With 12 partners participating, we will unveil news on international hotel partnerships, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, new hiking trails, and Jebel Jais adventure products among others.
Ahmed Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Shurooq
Shurooq has been a participant at WTM for over 10 years, and this year we are focusing on eco-tourism, with flagship destinations and hospitality projects such as Mleiha Archaeological and Ecotourism, Al Noor Island, Sharjah Collection brand and its three fully operational eco-retreats: Al Faya Lodge in Mleiha, Al Badayer Oasis in Al Badayer Desert and Kingfisher Lodge at Kalba. We will showcase how these destinations have redefined the meaning of authentic and ecotourism for Sharjah and the region.
Inputs by Shehara Rizly
