Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will be its participating at the World Travel Market 2015 in London this November for the 13th consecutive year.

From November 2 to 5, SCTDA will promote the latest developments in the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sectors as well as the projects and initiatives launched by SCTDA during the current year.

The Sharjah delegation to the WTM will be led by Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, and will include representatives from Sharjah Airport Authority, Shurooq, EPAA, Sharjah Museums, Sharjah Healthcare Authority, Sheraton Sharjah, and Ramada, amongst others.

“SCTDA is keen to tap the huge potential offered by this major global event to meet with the key players in the travel and tourism industry and discuss the latest developments in the sector. We are also looking forward to exploring possibilities of new cooperation and partnerships,” Al Midfa said.

He said Sharjah’s participation at the WTM will enable the emirate to showcase its latest projects and events launched under the Sharjah Tourism Vision that aims to attract 10 million tourists to the emirate.

Al Midfa explained that this year the authority will highlight Sharjah at the WTM as the ideal family tourism destination, a key pillar of the Sharjah Tourism Vision, under which special packages and deals will be offered for families. SCTDA will also promote its innovative services and facilities launched to improve the tourism experience and enhance the efficiency of the tourism sector in Sharjah. 

“Through our participation at the WTM 2015, we are seeking to promote Sharjah’s identity as a safe family tourist destination that offers genuine heritage and cultural attractions to attract more visitors from Europe,” Al Midfa said.

He pointed out that SCTDA will also promote business and trade opportunities to investors from all over the world and showcase the most prominent events and festivals that will be organised in Sharjah in the coming period.

“Cruise tourism is another focal area in view of the remarkable growth achieved by Sharjah in this sector in recent years. The emirate attracted 35 international cruise calls carrying about 80,000 visitors during the 2014-15 cruise season. We expect this sector to experience significant growth in the coming years,” Al Midfa added.

Europe is one of the most important tourism markets for Sharjah with the emirate’s hotels receiving 663,000 guests from the continent in 2014, accounting for 32 per cent of the total hotel guests in the emirate during the period.

Sharjah offers visitors from Europe an authentic Arabian atmosphere with activities and events within the city of Sharjah as well as the emirate’s east coast, where they get to experience nature and participate in outdoor activities at mangroves, mountains and idyllic beaches.

Strategically located, Sharjah is an ideal investment hub in the Middle East for European business entities. It provides direct access to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and offers the latest infrastructure facilities and logistics services.

The WTM, one of the most specialised exhibitions in Europe’s tourism sector, marks its 36th edition this year. More than 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, decision makers and international media will participate in the exhibition which generates over £2.5 billion ($3.8 billion) of travel industry contracts. – TradeArabia News Service