19 February 2015
• Delegation included 28 directors of Air Arabia offices from India

• Al Midfa: Air Arabia team briefed about new tourism projects, events and festivals organised by SCTDA

Sharjah - As part of plans to promote Sharjah's tourism sector in the global markets, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) organised a familiarisation tour for an Air Arabia delegation from India to the major tourism, leisure and cultural destinations in Sharjah.

The delegation comprising 28 directors of the Sharjah-based budget airline's offices in India, who were in Sharjah for the airline's annual meeting, was accompanied during the tour by SCTDA representatives.

During the tour, SCTDA provided the delegation with an overview of Sharjah's tourism and cultural destinations and explained the potential of its tourism sector that helped the emirate win the title 'Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015' as well as the title 'Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014'.
 
H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General of SCTDA, said Sharjah is keen to maintain sustained and effective communication with all entities in the tourism sector and their representatives in countries around the world, especially in the target markets.

"The familiarisation trip provided the Air Arabia delegation with updated information about new tourism projects as well as events and festivals organised by SCTDA enabling them to attract more tourists to Sharjah. The tour also helped identify the requirements of visitors from the target markets," Al Midfa said.

During the tour, the Authority reviewed Sharjah's tourism calendar and provided detailed insights about the festivals and events organised by SCTDA throughout the year. Discussing the importance of attracting more visitors from within and outside the UAE, the Authority also explained the next phase of development plans for the emirate's tourism sector.

The tour covered several locations in Sharjah, starting with the Golf and Shooting Club and the Heart of Sharjah, and included the Heritage Area and the Souk Al Arsa. During the visit to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, the delegation was briefed about Islamic civilization in the region. The tour concluded in Al Qasba, Sharjah's most prominent leisure destination, which features the Eye of the Emirates and an array of international restaurants and cafes as well as family-focused facilities.

The members of the delegation expressed delight in getting the opportunity to see the latest developments in Sharjah's tourism sector and identify SCTDA's priorities for the promotion of the emirate in the global markets.

-Ends-

About SCTDA
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) was established in 1996 by Emiri Decree No. 5, with the objective of promoting commercial and tourism activities in the Emirate of Sharjah.

SCTDA endeavours to develop these sectors through various events, activities and issuances, and promotes the emirate at all local, regional and international levels.

Consequently, it carries out all the work and activities necessary to achieve their goals by way of planning and drawing up strategic plans to further development and to promote the tourism industry in all its forms. SCTDA also undertakes all related social and economic studies. It compiles the policies for participating in the local, regional and international exhibitions. SCTDA also aims at marketing and promoting Sharjah to attract foreign investment.

SCTDA uses all available means and different media to raise public awareness locally, regionally and internationally of the unique features Sharjah offers as a special tourist destination. On the international front, it seeks to participate in international and regional events and activities to promote the emirate and place it on top of the international map. Today, Sharjah has become a preferred destination for tourists from around the world.

For more details, please contact:
Grace El Jurdi, SCTDA-Tel: 06 566777- Email: gress.j@sharjahtourism.ae
Amr Diab, Maha Abukhater - ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
T: +971 4 4507619 | Amr.Diab@bm.com, Maha.Abukhater@bm.com

© Press Release 2015