THIS was the 12th consecutive year that Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) took part in ATM.
The Sharjah delegation was headed by SCTDA chairman, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, who stressed the importance of participating in the region’s largest trade and consumer travel show.
“The great challenges faced by the tourism sector due to the global economic crisis call for coordinated efforts and the utilisation of all capabilities to reach our targets. All the parties involved in the promotion of Sharjah as a unique tourist destination are working together as one team to achieve this purpose, and new markets have already been opened up through the expansion of our participation in international exhibitions.”
New promotional strategies and plans to promote Sharjah’s tourism product in the regional tourism market were introduced, with a focus being on GCC countries and the Middle East, in addition to other destinations served by Air Arabia – Sharjah’s National Carrier.
Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) highlighted the rich cultural fabric of the emirate, focusing on its many museums.
Manal Ataya, director general, SMD said, “The Middle East region is the fastest growing tourism market in the world and it is important to offer a diverse array of tourist attractions to visitors. The ATM offered an ideal platform to interact with the trade and the public to raise awareness of Sharjah’s rich cultural tapestry of museums, covering art, archaeology, maritime heritage, calligraphy, Islamic civilization, natural history, and science, among others.”
“In cooperation with other government departments including Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, SMD will continue to raise Sharjah’s profile locally, regionally and internationally. SMD will continue promoting the museums of Sharjah all through the year.”
The SMD was established in 2006 by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, member of supreme council and ruler of Sharjah.