Sharjah Wraps Up A Hugely Successful ATM

Emirate’s Tourism Strategy Reflects Diversity Of Its Tourist Landscape, Says Al Noman

Sharjah wrapped up a hugely successful participation in the 4-day Arabian Travel Market that concluded in Dubai today with HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, reaffirming the importance of being part of the prestigious travel and tourism networking summit that brings together governments, decision makers and leading players of the industry.

“This is a great opportunity to interact with other leading tourism players and present Sharjah’s unique tourism product before the world in its breathtaking diversity using this amazing platform and all the channels and facilities it offers,” said Al Noman on the sidelines of the exhibition.

He said that one of the many advantages and facilities that the ATM offered was the comprehensive outlook and enormous data it provided on the tourism sector, especially hospitality industry which plays a crucial role in influencing the tourism sector both in negative and positive ways. “This is why Sharjah has been keenly monitoring and trying to develop the hotel industry in the emirate. Hotel industry also directly contributes to MICE or meetings and exhibitions tourism. So we are not just encouraging businessmen and investors on this front, we are monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of hospitality sector to ensure they offer the best services according to international standards,” said Al Noman.

The SCTDA Chairman said that tourism development in the emirate is based on well studied strategies and studies of foreign markets, focusing on all important and essential aspects of growth and development. “We have a vision that is commensurate with the diversity of our tourist landscape. We are keen to introduce healthy dimensions and aspirations that serve the interests of the individual and society and expand its base of tourism activities in tune with the concept of public-private sector partnership to provide better services and also to achieve shared goals of development and progress,” he said.

The SCTDA Chairman said, “we hope and expect that the ATM and other exhibitions in which Sharjah has been participating will have a direct and healthy impact on the size and flow of tourists to the emirate. Given the strategic location of Sharjah and the diversity of its tourist attractions and environment, we have immense potential to attract more international travelers. We have to reach out to new markets and events like this one to market the distinct nature of Sharjah tourism.”

He said that the growth achieved by the emirate’s tourism sector in the first quarter with the hotel industry reporting an 11 per cent increase in tourist numbers and 78 per cent occupancy should be an impetus for everyone to do more.

Sharjah’s stand attracted considerable attention of visiting dignitaries and other leading participants. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who inaugurated the exhibition, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Tourism, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Corporation and Dr. Abdul Razzaq al-Arab, Chairman of Jordan Tourism, HE Mohammed Khamis bin Hareb Al Muhairi Director General of National Council for Tourism and Antiquities and a number of other dignitaries visited the Sharjah pavilion.

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