Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is set to promote the emirate's unique tourism attractions during its participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) London, which will kick off on November 5 at ExCel London.

Running till November 7, the leading global event provides a unique platform for tourists and visitors looking for exceptional experiences to enjoy. This year's exhibition focuses on the emerging global trend on ‘bleisure’ or the combined experiences from business tourism and leisure.

SCTDA is participating at WTM London for the 16th consecutive year, bringing its distinctive tourism product offerings to the UK market featuring Sharjah’s family, culture, soft adventure and eco-tourism destinations. The initiative is in line with SCTDA’s commitment to meet the targets set within the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 to attract 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman, SCTDA, said that the Authority’s participation at the global event for the 16th year reflects its continuous efforts to achieve its strategic goals and objectives aimed at targeting major global tourism markets. The Authority continuously works towards attracting a greater number of visitors from the UK and Ireland with unique offerings while showcasing a wide range of outstanding experiences and continuing to increase our international network in line with Sharjah’s tourism goals.

Al Midfa added: “The exhibition is an important addition to our ongoing efforts to provide the most important experiences and tourist products and provide new experiences to our visitors while capitalising on Sharjah’s diverse heritage. SCTDA’s programs will showcase Sharjah's unique tourism environment, which is naturally rich in biodiversity and the various tourism developments taking place in the emirate.

Al Midfa emphasised the importance of international exhibitions in promoting Sharjah’s tourism hotspots to the international market and attracting tourists and investors to the emirate, saying: “We have seen the growing appeal of Sharjah as a destination for ‘business and leisure’ travellers as business executives learn to optimize long weekends to spend time with their families and take advantage of the emirate’s popularity as a family-friendly destination.”

SCTDA will deliver a comprehensive education and engagement program for WTM London visitors in close collaboration with its key partners on tourism packages focused on delivering overall experiential travel as more holidaymakers seek for more valuable and deeper experiences. As part of the promotion of the tourism sector, the Authority will announce several hotels and tourism products set to open next year to ensure competitiveness and excellence on par with other tourist destinations in the region.

SCTDA will be at Hall No. S5 and Platform ME400 at WTM London with major tourism and travel entities from Sharjah, including Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (Sata), Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Women Sport Foundation, Al Bait Hotel, Al Shaab Village, Royal Tulip, Sheraton Beach Resort and Spa, Ramada Hotel and Suites, and TravTalk. - TradeArabia News Service