THE Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) participated once again at the fifth ITB Asia in Singapore, to stimulate increased international interest in its already well-known and reputed projects, such as The Chedi Khorfakkan as well as the ambitious three-phase Kalba Eco-tourism project that is aiming to redevelop Kalba’s nature reserve and establish an environmentally friendly and sustainable commercial and tourism destination.
Elie Armaly, Shurooq’s business development director, commented, “Asia and the Pacific’s tourism market is one of the fastest growing in the international arena, with 217 million international tourist arrivals in 2011.
“The World Tourism Organization forecast for the long-term development of tourism predicts that arrivals to Asia and the Pacific will be more than the double by 2030 to reach 535 million and its outbound tourist traffic growth is also expected to show the highest global increase.
“As such ITB Asia forms an ideal platform on which to tap into this burgeoning market and we are looking forward to promoting Sharjah’s excellent offerings and vast potential, conducting many more productive meetings, and signing a number of highly beneficial MoU’s during the course of the exhibition.”
Armaly went on to add, “With the noticeable increase in investment in Asia and the Pacific in mind, Shurooq is aiming to attract hospitality and tourism companies and authorities such as hotel management companies, luxury resorts, entertainment centres.”
Shurooq reports that at the conclusion of the first day they had received excellent levels interest in their exhibit, as well as a great deal of positive feedback on the quality and diversity of their projects and the multitude of services they offer.