SHARJAH is repeating history all over again as it carves itself a distinct niche of its own in the crowded global tourism marketplace. The emirate’s pavilion at recently concluded World Travel Market 2012 event turned the spotlight on the rich heritage and cultural treasures and unique tourist attractions, attracting considerable interest and attention of international delegates as well as local visitors at ExCel – London.
Speaking at the event, SCTDA chairman Mohamed Ali Al Noman said that the WTM offers a global platform and an excellent opportunity to keep up with global industry trends and share experiences and ideas with other tourism sector players from around the world. He pointed out that Europe commanded nearly one third of global tourism market.
Shortly after the WTM, Sharjah Tourism launched a new road show to target new tourism markets in Europe and add to its already formidable share of European tourists. The emirate has already received more than 445,000 European tourists until October this year, according to Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
The last of Sharjah’s series of road shows this year, the European road show was held from November 12 to 14 and included visits to and presentations in major cities of Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
Commenting on the European road show Al Noman underscored the crucial nature of Europe for Sharjah, which forms 32 per cent share of the emirate’s tourist arrivals. Out of the 1,384,484 international tourists that the emirate received until October this year, the number of European visitors stands at 445,124.
The Sharjah Heritage Days, Sharjah Biennial, Sharjah Spring and Summer Promotions are some of the many art and cultural events and activities that are hosted by different departments and wings of the Sharjah government making the emirate an all-year destination with a busy and diverse calendar of events.