Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) played a significant role at the World Travel Market London, a major event for the travel industry, held recently.

SMD includes 16 museums covering Islamic art and culture, archaeology, heritage, science, marine life and the history of Sharjah and the region.

This is the tenth year of SMD's participation at the annual WTM London. The Sharjah entity used the event to highlight the upcoming 20th anniversary of Sharjah Art Museum.

The SMD in partnership with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) showcased the emirate’s diverse array of unique cultural and historical offerings.

Their discussions with trade delegates and tourism chiefs focused on the upcoming milestone anniversary of Sharjah Art Museum, which was founded in 1997.

SMD’s team outlined the permanent collections and paintings by renowned artists and how visitors can learn about the history of the region through the fascinating masterpieces of local painters and Arab artists who have left an important mark in the local and Arab art world.

Manal Ataya, the director general of SMD, said: "The travel expo offers us an incredible platform to showcase our family of museums to an international audience. One of SMD’s key aims is to expand the outreach of our museum portfolio in order to form new partnerships and bring the world’s best collections to Sharjah."

"The contacts that the team has developed at World Travel Market London today will also be vital in attracting more visitors from a wider geographical area," observed Ataya.

The department used the London event to showcase Sharjah’s diverse array of cultural and historical offerings and attractions, including arts, calligraphy, heritage, marine life, science and Islamic civilisation, in addition to its contributions to educational, entertainment, and social and environmental fields, she added.-TradeArabia News Service