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• Al Midfa: GCC constitutes top market for Sharjah tourism with emirate's hotels receiving nearly half million guests in 2014
Sharjah - Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) concluded its participation in a promotional tour to the Gulf capitals, organised by the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities under the slogan, "#VisitUAE". The SCTDA's participation in the tour was aimed at promoting Sharjah's ambitious tourism plans under the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.
The National Council of Tourism and Antiquities organised the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) tour to promote the latest developments in the UAE tourism sector, and showcase the offerings specially designed for the GCC markets. The tour, held from May 17 to 21, covered the cities of Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait.
SCTDA participated in a series of workshops in the three Gulf cities during which the Authority highlighted the emirate's efforts to strengthen its position as a leading family tourism destination. In each city and in front of more than 150 representatives and decision maker in each city from the GCC travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, the SCTDA showcased its unique programmes and initiatives, including plans to organise the Sharjah International Family Tourism Conference, as well as the recently launched 'Marhabtain' initiative aimed at developing human capabilities in Sharjah's tourism sector. The Authority also highlighted its innovative approach to tourism through smart services and solutions delivered via smartphone apps, virtual reality, and other innovative platforms.
Commenting on the participation, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General of SCTDA, said the GCC constitutes the top market for Sharjah tourism with 477,639 guests staying in Sharjah's hotels in 2014, registering a 10 per cent increase over the year 2013 when the emirate received 434,130 hotel guests.
HE Al Midfa said the Authority is keen to participate in tours under the umbrella of the National Council of Tourism and Antiquities and promote Sharjah's international festivals that add diversity to Sharjah's cultural product and tourism offering for GCC visitors, ranging from museums, universities, and cultural hubs, to recreational facilities, shopping malls as well as high-end hotels and family activities.
HE Al Midfa added that Sharjah has a common traditional bonding with GCC countries but at the same time maintains a distinct cultural and heritage identity that offers the GCC tourists a rich product, including the Heart of Sharjah area and a number of museums and heritage centres. Referring to the Al Manzel hotel, which is currently under construction, HE Al Midfa said the hotel's opening will offer a remarkable heritage experience for the visitors.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the body responsible for tourism sector development and to promote its attractions, recently launched Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2012 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, 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
© Press Release 2015
