Following its successful participation in the ITB Berlin exhibition earlier this month, Sharjah attended the Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition (MITT) from March 18 to 21 in the Russian capital, drawing considerable attention to the Emirate’s diverse tourism products.
This is the 16th consecutive year that Sharjah has participated in the MITT exhibition, a major international platform that brings together leaders of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry from across Europe, CIS nations and from other key regions of the world.
Sharjah was represented in Moscow by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA); Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Sharjah Museums Department, Hilton Sharjah, Sheraton Beach Resort and Spa Sharjah, Radisson Blu, Ramada Sharjah, Al Khalidiah Tourism, Cozmo Travel and MH Group of Hotels.
On the occasion, Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), stressed the importance of the Russian market for the tourism sector in the emirate, stating that "SCTDA has a long term strategic approach for tourism in Sharjah, based on studies and statistics. Recent studies have highlighted Russia as an important market for tourism in the UAE. While the Russian market has witnessed changes as a result of the ruble’s volatility, Russia remains an important market characterised by high purchasing power that adds considerable value to Sharjah’s tourism sector."
Sharjah’s participation in the Moscow exhibition in the past has led to productive engagement, tourism exchange and cooperation agreements with global stakeholders contributing to Sharjah’s tourism market and an increase in international guests.
Statistics available in 2014 showed that Sharjah’s hotels, especially beach resorts, attracted more than 400,000 Russian guests last year, which underscores the preeminence Sharjah enjoys as an international tourist destination for Russian visitors.
Sharjah was showcased at MITT through an attractive pavilion of contemporary design, highlighting the emirate’s heritage, culture and year-long activities and festivals, including the Sharjah Arab Tourism Capital for 2015 Award that the emirate received in recognition of the rich diversity of its tourism product and cultural experience.
Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, flies to seven major cities in Russia including Moscow, Kazan, Krasnodar, Rostov, Yekaterinburg, Samara and Ufa, contributing to the strengthening of the strong bonds of trade, tourism and culture that exist between the UAE and Russia.
Sharjah offers a number of attractions for Russian tourists such as beautiful golden beaches both in Sharjah city and along the long East Coast moderate weather, rich cultural heritage, museums and cultural centres, leisure and shopping opportunities. With its world-class hotels and tourism infrastructure, Sharjah presents itself as a complete and attractive holiday destination for Russian families.
In its 22nd year, MITT has attained a special status as an international trade exhibition and networking event. Spread over an area of 57,000 square metres, the Moscow exhibition last year attracted more than 2000 exhibitors from 200 countries and 40,000 visitors from around the world.
