THE Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has had a resounding success at WTM, according to a media statement.
Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, chairman of the SCTDA, headed up this year’s delegation of representatives for the Emirate of Sharjah, which included Sharjah International Airport, Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah National Hotels (Oceanic Hotel, Holiday International and Marbella Resort), Sharjah Millennium Hotel, Coral Beach Resort, Embassy Suites Sharjah, Arabian Link Tours, Orient Tours and the Sharjah Museums Department.
The emirate’s participation at WTM over the years has been successful in attracting visitors, especially from Europe. The number of visitors to Sharjah has risen by 100 per cent over the past five years, with nearly half of all visitors to Sharjah within the last year being European, according to the statement.
Speaking about the event, Mohamed A Al Noman, director general of the SCTDA, said, “We are very pleased with our performance at this year’s WTM, and we trust that the world’s interest in Sharjah and its rich traditional identity will continue to grow. We are making great progress in terms of our strategy for the promotion of Sharjah, and this event is an important factor in measuring the viability and success of our overall strategic plans.”
There was also a large amount of media interest in Sharjah’s stand at the exhibition, where Sharjah representatives discussed with a number of VIPs, officials, heads of delegations and other key decision makers in the European tourism industry ways of improving the tourism exchange between their respective countries.
In related news, Qanat Al Qasba, Sharjah’s top cultural, leisure and entertainment destination, said its second participation at the event was proved successful, with the stand attracting a large number of visitors and trade visitors from the travel and tourism industry from various countries represented at the exhibition.
Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO of Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority, said, “Our second participation at WTM was successful and went far beyond our expectations. Our participation and the material made available about this fantastic destination have no doubt made very positive impact on senior officials and visitors who were keen to know more about QAQ and its offerings.
Since its reopening in 2005, Qanat Al Qasba has evolved into a perfect community location to the residents of the UAE and visitors from abroad. It has proved to be a meeting place for all families who wish to experience high-class and modern entertainment, cultural and leisure attractions.
The evolving community center that offers a plethora of activities suitable for all throughout the year also boasts some of Sharjah’s best landmarks including the Eye of the Emirates, the highest observatory wheel in the region, and the upcoming Al Qasba Tornado Fountain, billed the first musical creative fountain in the region.