Sharjah at WTM London affirms wish to consolidate tourist status

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) participated in World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition for the 15th consecutive year, which was held in London until November 9, to emphasise Sharjah’s tourist position in the international tourism map.

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World Travel Market is one of world’s most significant tourism events, which brings together pioneers of tourism and travel, tourism makers and those interested in the tourism sector from around the world, in addition to international media.
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Heads Emirate of Sharjah delegation included 12 entities from tourism and heritage sector: Sharjah Investment and Development Authority-Shurooq, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Women Sport Foundation, Al Bait Hotel, Al Shaab Village, Royal Tulip, Sheraton Beach Resort and Spa and Ramada Hotel and suites and TravTalk.
SCTDA Chairman, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, stated that the participation in the exhibition comes within the aspiration of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. “Our target is to promote optimal presence of Sharjah, transfer its outstanding tourism experiences, as well as enrich international tourism cooperation within the interest of Sharjah.”
The programmes of SCTDA aimed at presenting Sharjah’s unique tourism environment, rich in its diversity and various tourism developments. The importance of international exhibitions in advising international community about Sharjah’s attractive tourist environment, and inviting tourism and investment markets to the emirate is noteworthy.
Al Midfa’ stressed the keenness of SCTDA to achieve the emirate’s presence in the world’s major events and to highlight its achievements and activities to the world and strengthen its position as a superior destination for family tourism.
Al Midfa indicated the results of SCTDA’s participation in previous sessions of World Travel Market in London, which concluded with positive results, which contributed in defining the tourism product of Sharjah, enhancing global tourism convergence, extending bridges of communication, attracting more tourists and considering tourism investment opportunities.
“The diversified participation of Sharjah delegation represents tourism sector in its various sectors, cultural, sports and heritage, thus contributing to present an integrated image of Sharjah,” Al Midfa said.
SCTDA had a comprehensive programme at World Travel Market including a number of activities and events that attracted visitors and meetings. This connected SCTDA with senior officials from the World Tourism Organisation. Sharjah’s delegation will explore cooperation opportunities with the pioneers of global tourism sector along with mechanisms of coordination and constant communication. SCTDA enlightened thousands of visitors to the World Travel Market, via its spacious and distinguished booth, on the emirate’s tourism and heritage projects, the first of its kind at local and international levels, and developments in tourism sector in the emirate, which is witnessing a great development.
SCTDA’s publications which are prepared specifically for the exhibition informed European community, festival’s leaders from around the world, and travel and tourism agents about Sharjah’s tourism sector as a home to diverse and attractive tourist environment. The World Travel Market (WTM), which celebrated its 37th anniversary this year, is one of the leading travel industry events, bringing together a large group of travel and tourism representatives from around the world. More than 50,000 people a year, travel and media representatives visit the exhibition. The value of contracts and business deals through the exhibition is more than £2.5 billion annually.