Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is participating in the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market (COTTM) for the third consecutive year as part its strategic programme to promote Sharjah’s tourism capabilities in specialised tourism fairs in the region and the world.

The leading exhibition, now in its 12th year, starts in the Chinese capital Beijing today, April 12, and will be held until April 14.

Building on the success achieved during its previous two years of participation, SCTDA is seeking to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the COTTM 2016 to engage with key entities, experts and decision makers in the Chinese tourism sector.

Sharjah has emerged as a popular tourist destination for visitors from China as reflected in the latest available figures that show that the emirate attracted over 50,000 Chinese hotel guests during 2015, a 45 per cent increase in the number of hotel guests last year.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, said the authority’s participation in international events and exhibitions each year has contributed to the strengthening of the emirate’s position in the regional and international tourism map. Al Midfa pointed out that COTTM 2016 represents an ideal opportunity for it to exchange experiences and discuss opportunities for cooperation with experts and investors in the field of tourism. It is also an excellent platform to learn about the best international practices and the latest developments in the tourism industry, he added.

The Chinese Tourism Forum held this month with local destination management companies (DMC's) has helped provide the accommodation sector with increased business contacts and links as they prepare for COTTM.  

Al Midfa said: “SCTDA’s participation in COTTM over the past two years has been a great success. We are therefore keen to participate in this year’s event, which will be unique occasion to showcase our tourism products in a key market as China, and attract more Chinese visitors to Sharjah.”

SCTDA delegation participating in the exhibition includes: Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Sharjah Museum, Hotel Holiday International, Marbella Resort, Oceanic Hotel, Copthorne Hotel, Sheraton Resort, Radisson Blu Resort, Golden Tulip Apartment, Ramada, and Cozmo Travel.  

COTTM is one of the most specialised tourism, travel and hospitality exhibitions which last year attracted more than 400 exhibitors from 65 countries, and more than 3,000 visitors, including businessmen and investors. - TradeArabia News Service