As part of efforts to activate key pillar of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021

Sharjah, July 5, 2015

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the distribution of Interactive Touch Screens (ITS) in all five- and four-star hotels as well as luxury hotel apartments in the emirate, activating its 'Innovative Tourism Approach', one of the key pillars of the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 that aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2021.

SCTDA said the supply of ITS at the major hotels and resorts is a new stage of the initiative which will eventually cover all hotels, tourist attractions, airport, shopping malls, museums and government departments in the emirate to provide innovative tourist services that meet the needs of all categories of tourists. In addition, the initiative will help achieve sustainability standards by reducing the consumption of paper required for printing brochures, replacing them with interactive screens that provide much more detailed information and interactive experience.

SCTDA stated that using ITS, tourists and visitors at Sharjah's major hotels will be able to access comprehensive content about Sharjah and its tourism facilities, services and attractions. ITS will also enable users to identify the cultural centres in the emirate and know more about its geographical nature and key locations.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General of SCTDA, said: "Technology has today made it possible to enhance the tourism experience through increased connectivity. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is keen to make use of the latest technological advances as one of the key pillars of the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021."

HE Al Midfa pointed out that the latest technology allows visitors to plan their trips well in advance, enabling them to enjoy all the tourist destinations at their convenience. "We believe that ITS will contribute further to establishing Sharjah as a leading tourism destination," HE Al Midfa added.

ITS focuses on highlighting the identity and culture of Sharjah by providing easy access to information and promoting the diverse tourism products in the emirate. The initiative comes as a major step towards enhancing the quality of tourism in Sharjah and complements Sharjah's position as the 'Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015'.

The interactive touch screens provided by SCTDA offer information on universities and restaurants in Sharjah as well as details about the investment and business opportunities in the emirate. As an added advantage, ITS allows users to experience virtual tours of the emirate's landmarks.

SCTDA recently launched Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 by focusing on four main pillars - Ideal Family Tourism Destination, Innovative Tourism Approach, World Class Tourism Facilities and Capabilities, and International Cultural Hub - to strengthen the status of the emirate as a leading destination for family tourism.

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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, SCTD
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

© Press Release 2015