Underscoring the importance of being part of the region's largest trade and consumer travel exhibition, The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) chairman Mohamed Ali Al Noman recently participated at the Arabian Travel Market 2012 armed with new strategies and plans to enhance the emirate’s global profile and boost the crucial tourism sector in the emirate.
“ATM provides us with a great opportunity to showcase the emirate’s unique tourism products and services and promote Sharjah as a world-class tourist destination,” said Al Noman.
The SCTDA has been regularly showcasing Sharjah at leading international travel and tourism events over the past many years. “Our participation this year follows our successes at the ITB Berlin, MITT Moscow and GIBTM Abu Dhabi where Sharjah once again caught everyone’s attention with its distinct stand celebrating the rich cultural fair and tourist attractions on offer,” said Al Noman.
In view of the enormous potential of the Middle East’s travel market, Al Noman said, governments and tourism industry in the region have to intensify their efforts to develop tourism potential and infrastructure in the region. The SCTDA chairman said that public and private sectors in Sharjah are working to attract international visitors to boost the emirate’s economy.
“All of us involved in promoting Sharjah as a unique tourist destination are working together as a team to achieve this purpose. New markets have already opened up thanks to our regular participation in international exhibitions,” he said.
Sharjah’s 529-sq m stand at ATM showcased the rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions of the emirate, as well as highlightdits educational, entertainment and business facilities. Al Noman said regular participation in international events such as ATM has helped the growth of the travel and tourism sector. “We have seen a significant increase in the number of visitors annually. Sharjah is today recognised as a world-class tourism destination for the entire family,” he added. This year’s participation in ATM has been its largest in the last 14 years.
The Sharjah delegation to ATM includes senior officials of the SCTDA, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Airport Authority, Ramada Sharjah, Sharjah National Hotels (Marbella Resort/Oceanic Hotel and Resort Khorfakkan/Hotel Holiday International), Golden Tulip Sharjah, Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah Media Centre, Al Hamrah Group (Al Hamrah Hotel, Al Sharq Hotel and Al Sharq Suites), Al Khalidiah Tourism, Royal Beach Resort and Spa and Constemp Travel Club etc.