Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has opened a new tourism office and information center in Khorfakkan, in advance of the winter tourism season. Located on Sharjah’s Indian Ocean coast, Khorfakkan Port has been a destination for luxury cruise-liners since the early 1980s and has become an increasingly popular tourist destination and a focus of Sharjah’s tourism development strategy.
Sharjah is investing in a number of tourism infrastructure projects in Khorfakkan such as Al Jabal Resort, Chedi Khorfakkan, Khorfakkan Flag Square, Khorfakkan Corniche and a new cruise ship terminal to increase the Khorfakkan Port’s capacity in order to handle more cruise lines and cruise tourism throughout the year.
Normally disembarking some 60,000 – 70,000 passengers throughout the December to April cruise season, cruise tourism forms an integral part of Sharjah’s tourism development strategy, Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Among the cruise ships expected during the coming season is MSC Cruises‘ newly refurbished 333 metre (1,039 ft.) MSC Splendida, which is equipped with 1,637 cabins and able to carry more than 3,300 passengers.
Khorfakkan also expects to welcome TUI Cruises‘ 293 metre (961 ft.) Mein Schiff 5 and Costa Cruises‘ Costa Mediterranea, which are able to carry 2,534 and 2,114 passengers respectively.
The new SCTDA office will also be responsible for promoting the nearby coastal town of Kalba, where there are already a wide range of projects being developed to enhance the east coast’s tourism appeal.
The largest integrated infrastructure development is Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, led by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), which combines modern tourism facilities and attractions with environmental conservation.
The new tourism office is expected to offer a comprehensive range of services to help increase awareness about Sharjah’s tourist attractions, provide assistance for tourist groups and tourism companies, while acting as a tourism information centre.
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Showing posts with label Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. Show all posts
Thursday, 5 October 2017
Friday, 7 July 2017
UAE: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Launches ‘Sharjah Summer’ With 50% Discounts
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has launched ‘Sharjah Summer’, a two-month campaign aiming to drive entertainment, leisure, retail and tourism sales, underpinned by discounts of up to 50 percent.
It is the emirate’s first summer campaign that integrates offers from airlines, hotels, government institutions, travel agencies, shopping centres and other private sector companies.
So far, about 30 public and private sector organisations have joined the campaign, which offers visitors entertainment, events, special hotel packages and retail promotions.
In recent years, Sharjah has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre.
Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014, the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015 and has just been named UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019.
The tourism authority expects ‘Sharjah Summer’ appeal strongly to regional markets as families consider summer travel plans and short breaks.
The hot summer months are typically less busy for the Gulf’s inbound travel and tourism sector, but nevertheless provide opportunities including local tourism, regional tourism and international travel stopovers.
Last summer, Sharjah International Airport saw a 13 percent increase in July, August and September, handling 2,996,433 passengers compared to the previous year.
Both the airport and Sharjah-headquartered budget airline Air Arabia are taking part in this year’s summer campaign.
‘Sharjah Summer’ has enlisted a variety of 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts in Sharjah city and on the emirate’s east coast, including Al Majaz Hotel, Hilton Sharjah, Hotel Holiday International, Marbella Resort Sharjah, Oceanic Khor Fakkan Resort and Spa, Radisson Blu Resort, Royal Beach Resort and Spa, Royal Tulip 72 Hotel, Royal Tulip The Act Hotel, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa, and Swiss-Belhotel Sharjah.
Public sector organisations taking part in ‘Sharjah Summer’ include the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Art Foundation, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah Women Sports Foundation.
‘Sharjah Summer’ also enjoys the support of travel and tourism agencies SATA, Cozmo Travel, Orient Tours and Breeze Tours. Mega Mall and Sharjah’s largest shopping mall, Sahara Center, are participating as retail partners in the campaign.
The ‘Sharjah Summer’ campaign runs until Friday, 8 September 2017.
Tourism Observer
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It is the emirate’s first summer campaign that integrates offers from airlines, hotels, government institutions, travel agencies, shopping centres and other private sector companies.
So far, about 30 public and private sector organisations have joined the campaign, which offers visitors entertainment, events, special hotel packages and retail promotions.
In recent years, Sharjah has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre.
Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014, the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015 and has just been named UNESCO World Book Capital for 2019.
The tourism authority expects ‘Sharjah Summer’ appeal strongly to regional markets as families consider summer travel plans and short breaks.
The hot summer months are typically less busy for the Gulf’s inbound travel and tourism sector, but nevertheless provide opportunities including local tourism, regional tourism and international travel stopovers.
Last summer, Sharjah International Airport saw a 13 percent increase in July, August and September, handling 2,996,433 passengers compared to the previous year.
Both the airport and Sharjah-headquartered budget airline Air Arabia are taking part in this year’s summer campaign.
‘Sharjah Summer’ has enlisted a variety of 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts in Sharjah city and on the emirate’s east coast, including Al Majaz Hotel, Hilton Sharjah, Hotel Holiday International, Marbella Resort Sharjah, Oceanic Khor Fakkan Resort and Spa, Radisson Blu Resort, Royal Beach Resort and Spa, Royal Tulip 72 Hotel, Royal Tulip The Act Hotel, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa, and Swiss-Belhotel Sharjah.
Public sector organisations taking part in ‘Sharjah Summer’ include the Sharjah Government Media Bureau, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD), Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Art Foundation, Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah, and Sharjah Women Sports Foundation.
‘Sharjah Summer’ also enjoys the support of travel and tourism agencies SATA, Cozmo Travel, Orient Tours and Breeze Tours. Mega Mall and Sharjah’s largest shopping mall, Sahara Center, are participating as retail partners in the campaign.
The ‘Sharjah Summer’ campaign runs until Friday, 8 September 2017.
Tourism Observer
www.tourismobserver.com
Saturday, 8 April 2017
UAE: Chinese Visitors To Sharjah Increase To 63% In 2016
Sharjah hotels and hotel apartments registered a 63 percent increase in visitors from China during 2016 according to new figures from Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
More than 86,000 Chinese visitors stayed in Sharjah hotels last year, compared with 53,000 during 2015, making China the emirate’s sixth largest inbound tourism market.
The UAE’s recent move to introduce visa-on-arrival for visitors from China is expected to further boost tourism numbers during 2017.
China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market worth an estimated US$ 168 billion, with 120 million Chinese travelling abroad during 2016.
The country is a priority target market for Sharjah and the tourism authority is planning to welcome 200,000 Chinese visitors per annum by the year 2021, as part of its tourism development strategy.
China is already the emirate’s fastest growing inbound tourism market, with hotels registering a 78 percent increase in hotel guests from China during 2015 (compared to 2014 levels).
The SCDTA has been driving an active marketing campaign to attract more visitors from China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has recently taken tourism roadshows to Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
This month, the authority hosted 15 major outbound Chinese travel companies from China’s east coast on a familiarisation visit (‘fam trip’) to Sharjah. Visiting travel agencies were introduced to Sharjah’s tourism destinations, heritage and cultural attractions and the emirate’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.
The travel trade visitors also attended workshops together with key local tourism stakeholders.
The UAE is China’s second largest trading partner and largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, with estimates for 2016 bilateral trade reaching as high as US$60 billion. There are about 4,200 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, including China Construction, China Harbour and China National Petroleum.
According to the tourism authority, Russia visitors also registered double-digit growth during 2016, the first significant growth measured from that country market since the fall of the Russian currency in 2014.
More than 86,000 Chinese visitors stayed in Sharjah hotels last year, compared with 53,000 during 2015, making China the emirate’s sixth largest inbound tourism market.
The UAE’s recent move to introduce visa-on-arrival for visitors from China is expected to further boost tourism numbers during 2017.
China is the world’s largest outbound tourism market worth an estimated US$ 168 billion, with 120 million Chinese travelling abroad during 2016.
The country is a priority target market for Sharjah and the tourism authority is planning to welcome 200,000 Chinese visitors per annum by the year 2021, as part of its tourism development strategy.
China is already the emirate’s fastest growing inbound tourism market, with hotels registering a 78 percent increase in hotel guests from China during 2015 (compared to 2014 levels).
The SCDTA has been driving an active marketing campaign to attract more visitors from China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has recently taken tourism roadshows to Chengdu, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
This month, the authority hosted 15 major outbound Chinese travel companies from China’s east coast on a familiarisation visit (‘fam trip’) to Sharjah. Visiting travel agencies were introduced to Sharjah’s tourism destinations, heritage and cultural attractions and the emirate’s areas of outstanding natural beauty.
The travel trade visitors also attended workshops together with key local tourism stakeholders.
The UAE is China’s second largest trading partner and largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa, with estimates for 2016 bilateral trade reaching as high as US$60 billion. There are about 4,200 Chinese companies operating in the UAE, including China Construction, China Harbour and China National Petroleum.
According to the tourism authority, Russia visitors also registered double-digit growth during 2016, the first significant growth measured from that country market since the fall of the Russian currency in 2014.
Thursday, 9 March 2017
Sharjah Airport Passenger Traffic Goes Highest
Sharjah International Airport registered a 10 percent year-on-year increase in passengers, handling 11 million passengers from January to December 2016. The airport passed the 10 million passenger mark for the first time in 2015, showing 5.5 percent growth.
Since then, the airport has continued to show strong growth.
Airport passengers increased 12 percent during the first quarter of 2016, 11 percent during Q2 and 13 percent during Q3, reaching one million passengers per month for the first time in August 2016.
Aircraft movements at Sharjah International Airport increased by 6 percent to 75,900 scheduled and non-scheduled movements in 2016 compared with 71,426 in 2015.
Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia.
The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.
Whilst Air Arabia hasn’t yet announced overall figures for 2016, the airline served over 2.27 million passengers during the first nine months of 2016, a 14 percent increase compared to the 2 million passengers during the same period of 2015.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 46 Airbus A320 aircraft offering flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries from five hubs across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Sharjah’s tourism industry has fared well during 2015 and 2016, despite global and regional economic pressures. Hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totaling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
The Authority’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Meanwhile, Gama Aviation continues to expand its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport. The global business aviation services company announced plans for its new, purpose-built Sharjah FBO, scheduled to open in mid-2018.
The company has seen a 12 percent increase in aircraft traffic handled by its Sharjah hub during the past year and 33 percent growth in managed aircraft.
In 2014, Sharjah airport opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. More recently, the airport has introduced 16 smart gates to its arrival and departure halls, facilities for disabled passengers, a new automated baggage management system, plus a facilities for handling pharma and healthcare cargo.
The airport has also begun construction of an additional bridge for passengers.
Sharjah International Airport’s expansion and development falls in-line with its goal to serve 25 million passengers by the year 2025.
Since then, the airport has continued to show strong growth.
Airport passengers increased 12 percent during the first quarter of 2016, 11 percent during Q2 and 13 percent during Q3, reaching one million passengers per month for the first time in August 2016.
Aircraft movements at Sharjah International Airport increased by 6 percent to 75,900 scheduled and non-scheduled movements in 2016 compared with 71,426 in 2015.
Sharjah International Airport’s growth has been driven by its strategic location, the success of Sharjah’s in-bound tourism industry and the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered Air Arabia.
The airport’s ideal location, close to Sharjah city, Dubai city and the main highways connecting the country’s seven emirates, has made it a convenient hub for both business and leisure travelers.
Whilst Air Arabia hasn’t yet announced overall figures for 2016, the airline served over 2.27 million passengers during the first nine months of 2016, a 14 percent increase compared to the 2 million passengers during the same period of 2015.
The airline currently operates a fleet of 46 Airbus A320 aircraft offering flights to over 120 destinations in 33 countries from five hubs across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Sharjah’s tourism industry has fared well during 2015 and 2016, despite global and regional economic pressures. Hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totaling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
The Authority’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Meanwhile, Gama Aviation continues to expand its fixed base operation (FBO) at Sharjah International Airport. The global business aviation services company announced plans for its new, purpose-built Sharjah FBO, scheduled to open in mid-2018.
The company has seen a 12 percent increase in aircraft traffic handled by its Sharjah hub during the past year and 33 percent growth in managed aircraft.
In 2014, Sharjah airport opened a new super-jumbo capable AED 500 million (US$ 136m) airport runway, significantly expanding the airport’s capacity. More recently, the airport has introduced 16 smart gates to its arrival and departure halls, facilities for disabled passengers, a new automated baggage management system, plus a facilities for handling pharma and healthcare cargo.
The airport has also begun construction of an additional bridge for passengers.
Sharjah International Airport’s expansion and development falls in-line with its goal to serve 25 million passengers by the year 2025.
Saturday, 3 December 2016
UAE: Sharjah Hotels Register 19% Increase In Room Nights
Sharjah hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totalling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The increase in total booked room nights comes in spite of the fact that occupancy rates have remained flat at 62 percent, suggesting that visitors may be remaining in Sharjah for longer stays.
Although the largest number of guests registered in Sharjah hotels are from the GCC states (360,000 Gulf nationals visiting during the first nine months of the year), the tourism authority’s international marketing seems to be paying off, with increases reported from several key markets. The SCTDA has been targeting markets identified as having high potential for growth in its strategic marketing plan, in order to attract 10 million tourist per annum by 2021.
According to SCTDA figures, China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market with 62,936 Chinese travelers visiting the emirate during the first nine months of this year: 75 percent increase compared with the equivalent period of 2015. This growth is consistent with the 78 percent increase in Chinese hotel guests registered during 2015. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Meanwhile, Sharjah saw a 12 percent growth in the number of Pakistani visitors and an 8.7 percent increase in visitors from Russia, being the first growth measured from the Russian market since the Russian currency fell in 2014.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. A wide range of new developments are currently underway, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort managed by global hotel operator Accor; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel. Last week, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the construction for its new 5-star hotel in the Heart of Sharjah – Al Bait Hotel – is now 50 percent completed.
According to Sharjah International Airport, 8.3 million passengers were handled by the airport during the first nine months of 2016.
Although the largest number of guests registered in Sharjah hotels are from the GCC states (360,000 Gulf nationals visiting during the first nine months of the year), the tourism authority’s international marketing seems to be paying off, with increases reported from several key markets. The SCTDA has been targeting markets identified as having high potential for growth in its strategic marketing plan, in order to attract 10 million tourist per annum by 2021.
According to SCTDA figures, China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market with 62,936 Chinese travelers visiting the emirate during the first nine months of this year: 75 percent increase compared with the equivalent period of 2015. This growth is consistent with the 78 percent increase in Chinese hotel guests registered during 2015. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Meanwhile, Sharjah saw a 12 percent growth in the number of Pakistani visitors and an 8.7 percent increase in visitors from Russia, being the first growth measured from the Russian market since the Russian currency fell in 2014.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. A wide range of new developments are currently underway, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort managed by global hotel operator Accor; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel. Last week, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the construction for its new 5-star hotel in the Heart of Sharjah – Al Bait Hotel – is now 50 percent completed.
According to Sharjah International Airport, 8.3 million passengers were handled by the airport during the first nine months of 2016.
Wednesday, 30 November 2016
UAE: Sharjah Commerce And Tourism Development Authority Expecting 200,0000 Chinese Tourists
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is preparing to welcome 200,000 Chinese visitors to the emirate of Sharjah by 2021, according to a statement.
Hotels welcomed over 75,000 Chinese visitors during the first three quarters of 2016, showing a 75 per cent year on year growth.
The number of Chinese visitors to Sharjah increased by a staggering 75.2 per cent in the first nine months of 2016, when compared with the same period in 2015.
The increased initiative to attract visitors from China has been boosted with the new Chinese visa on arrival regulation as well as the many new initiatives by the Authority and stakeholders to attract further visitors.
Hotels welcomed over 75,000 Chinese visitors during the first three quarters of 2016, showing a 75 per cent year on year growth.
The number of Chinese visitors to Sharjah increased by a staggering 75.2 per cent in the first nine months of 2016, when compared with the same period in 2015.
The increased initiative to attract visitors from China has been boosted with the new Chinese visa on arrival regulation as well as the many new initiatives by the Authority and stakeholders to attract further visitors.
Monday, 15 August 2016
UAE; Sharjah Hotel Revenues Grow By 7%
The Emirate of Sharjah registered a 7 percent increase in hotel revenues, reaching AED 378 million (USD 103m) during the first six months of 2016, according to the latest figures from Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The authority has been targeting markets identified in its strategic marketing plan and says that H1 2016 hotel statistics show a 19 percent increase from those markets, compared with H1 2015. The SCTDA announced its Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 tourism development strategy in 2015, which aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
A total of 878,006 visitors booked accommodation in Sharjah during the first half of 2016, compared with about one million visitors registered during the first half of 2015. Sharjah guests stayed a total number of 1.99 million hotel nights from 1st January to 30th June 2016
China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal. The emirate saw a 78 percent increase in Chinese visitors during 2015 and, this year, has seen a 73.2 percent increase in Chinese tourist numbers during the first six months.
Overall, the largest numbers of visitors during the first six months of this year came from the GCC which accounted for nearly 220,000 hotel guests or about 25 percent of the total. Asia provided the second largest source of tourists, showing a 12 percent increase compared to H1 2015. Meanwhile, 180,768 registered Sharjah hotel guests came from Europe, accounting for about 21 percent of the total.
Visitor numbers from Russia have decreased in recent years due to the deterioration in the strength of the Russian Ruble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East. However, this year, there is room for some optimism, following a 1.8 percent increase in number of Russian visitors during H1 2016.
New flight routes to Pakistan also had a positive effect on numbers of visiting Sharjah, leading to a 10.3 percent increase to in Pakistani hotel guests. Meanwhile, there was a two percent increase in the number of African tourists visiting the emirate.
The SCTDA has been marketing Sharjah’s proposition for tourists in key markets around the world and has targeted different inbound tourist segments with specific campaigns and offers. The authority opened representative offices in several international markets this year to increase in-country marketing effectiveness.
Sharjah has invested heavily in developing itself as an international cultural hub, showcasing its heritage and creating world class museums and other cultural, educational and Islamic resources. The emirate currently offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world.
A total of 878,006 visitors booked accommodation in Sharjah during the first half of 2016, compared with about one million visitors registered during the first half of 2015. Sharjah guests stayed a total number of 1.99 million hotel nights from 1st January to 30th June 2016
China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal. The emirate saw a 78 percent increase in Chinese visitors during 2015 and, this year, has seen a 73.2 percent increase in Chinese tourist numbers during the first six months.
Overall, the largest numbers of visitors during the first six months of this year came from the GCC which accounted for nearly 220,000 hotel guests or about 25 percent of the total. Asia provided the second largest source of tourists, showing a 12 percent increase compared to H1 2015. Meanwhile, 180,768 registered Sharjah hotel guests came from Europe, accounting for about 21 percent of the total.
Visitor numbers from Russia have decreased in recent years due to the deterioration in the strength of the Russian Ruble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East. However, this year, there is room for some optimism, following a 1.8 percent increase in number of Russian visitors during H1 2016.
New flight routes to Pakistan also had a positive effect on numbers of visiting Sharjah, leading to a 10.3 percent increase to in Pakistani hotel guests. Meanwhile, there was a two percent increase in the number of African tourists visiting the emirate.
The SCTDA has been marketing Sharjah’s proposition for tourists in key markets around the world and has targeted different inbound tourist segments with specific campaigns and offers. The authority opened representative offices in several international markets this year to increase in-country marketing effectiveness.
Sharjah has invested heavily in developing itself as an international cultural hub, showcasing its heritage and creating world class museums and other cultural, educational and Islamic resources. The emirate currently offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world.
Thursday, 25 February 2016
UAE: Sharjah Tourism To Open Five Global Offices
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has recently revealed plans to open five overseas offices to promote Sharjah as a tourism destination. The authority will open representative offices in China, India, Russia, Germany and Saudi Arabia during the first part of 2016. Meanwhile, the authority has forecast a modest 3-5 percent growth in tourist numbers for this year, after a drop in hotel guests in 2015.
The SCTDA’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to Sharjah by year 2021. However, despite a record year for Sharjah International Airport, which handled 10 million passengers during 2015, Sharjah hotel guest numbers dropped 13 percent to 1.79 million from 2 million in 2014.
According to industry sources, a contributing factor to lower hotel bookings last year was the continuing deterioration in the strength of the Russian Rouble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East.
The SCTDA’s new overseas tourism offices will help drive the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategic plan and allow the authority to better target different inbound tourist segments. In recent years, the emirate has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre. Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. The emirate’s luxury segment was given a boost last year with the opening of a new 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa by Starwoods. Meanwhile, a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort to be managed by Accor is currently under development. On Sharjah’s east coast, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, a mountainside luxury villa resort.
Sharjah International Airport saw passengers increase by a 10 percent to 929,539 last month, compared with January 2015. This included 10 percent increases in both inbound and outbound passenger numbers.
The SCTDA’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to Sharjah by year 2021. However, despite a record year for Sharjah International Airport, which handled 10 million passengers during 2015, Sharjah hotel guest numbers dropped 13 percent to 1.79 million from 2 million in 2014.
According to industry sources, a contributing factor to lower hotel bookings last year was the continuing deterioration in the strength of the Russian Rouble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East.
The SCTDA’s new overseas tourism offices will help drive the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategic plan and allow the authority to better target different inbound tourist segments. In recent years, the emirate has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre. Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. The emirate’s luxury segment was given a boost last year with the opening of a new 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa by Starwoods. Meanwhile, a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort to be managed by Accor is currently under development. On Sharjah’s east coast, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, a mountainside luxury villa resort.
Sharjah International Airport saw passengers increase by a 10 percent to 929,539 last month, compared with January 2015. This included 10 percent increases in both inbound and outbound passenger numbers.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
UAE: Sharjah Tourism To Open Five Global Offices
The SCTDA’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to Sharjah by year 2021. However, despite a record year for Sharjah International Airport, which handled 10 million passengers during 2015, Sharjah hotel guest numbers dropped 13 percent to 1.79 million from 2 million in 2014.
According to industry sources, a contributing factor to lower hotel bookings last year was the continuing deterioration in the strength of the Russian Rouble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East.
The SCTDA’s new overseas tourism offices will help drive the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategic plan and allow the authority to better target different inbound tourist segments. In recent years, the emirate has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre. Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. The emirate’s luxury segment was given a boost last year with the opening of a new 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa by Starwoods. Meanwhile, a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort to be managed by Accor is currently under development. On Sharjah’s east coast, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, a mountainside luxury villa resort.
Sharjah International Airport saw passengers increase by a 10 percent to 929,539 last month, compared with January 2015. This included 10 percent increases in both inbound and outbound passenger numbers.
Monday, 25 January 2016
UAE: Busy Cruise Season Begins
Strategically located on Sharjah’s Indian Ocean coast, Khorfakkan Port has been welcoming luxury cruise-liners since the early 1980s and has become increasingly popular on the itineraries of international operators. A new leisure cruise ship terminal is now being built in Khorfakkan to increase the port’s capacity in order to handle more cruise lines and cruise tourism throughout the year.
This season, Sharjah expects to receive cruise liner visits from TUI Cruises, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises. According to the STDA, passengers visiting the emirate will mostly come from European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Sharjah’s tourism development strategy, Tourism Vision 2021, aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021. Sharjah hotels registered one million guests during the first six months of 2015.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
UAE: Sheraton Opens Luxury Sharjah Resort
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has formally announced the opening of the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, marking its entry in the Emirate of Sharjah and bolstering Sharjah’s proposition for luxury tourism.
The Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa features 349 spacious guest rooms and suites, and provides panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the city of Sharjah. The resort opens with Al Qubtan, a beach side restaurant and the Link@Sheraton Café inside the hotel, while three more food and beverage outlets will open in November and another in December.
The new Sheraton is expected to boost availability of luxury accommodation for tourists, expand options for businesses in Sharjah and provide a new upscale venue for social events. The hotel offers the largest hotel conference facilities in the city with over 2,100 square meters of meeting and event space, including two large ballrooms and and nine meeting rooms, making it an ideal choice for both social and business functions.
Sharjah currently has a strong pipeline of new hotels planned, including a Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah in the city’s Al Rifaa area, which is expected to open in May 2017. The emirate already has more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world.
The luxury hotel segment has recently seen an increase in activity with the construction of Al Jabal Resort, The Chedi Khorfakkan on Sharjah’s east coast by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) the announcement in May this year of plans for new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort in Sharjah city by the Accor Group.
Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, a tourism development strategy announced by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) earlier this year, targets family tourism, Muslim tourists and those seeking art and culture. According to the SCTDA, 70 per cent of Sharjah’s tourists are families, with a high percentage of Muslim visitors. Sharjah plans to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Tuesday, 17 November 2015
UAE: Passengers Increase 10% At Sharjah Airport
Sharjah International Airport has seen a 10 percent increase in the number of passengers handled July, August and September this year, compared with the same period in 2014. The airport handled 2.65 million passengers during the last three months, with 18,741 aircraft take-offs and landings. 7.4 million passengers passed through the international airport during the first nine months of 2015.
Sharjah welcomed 4 million arrivals via its international airport last year and a total of 2 million tourist visitors to the emirate. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021. In addition to international airport, tourist arrive in the Sharjah via other neighbouring emirates and also by sea via Sharjah’s thriving cruise ship terminals.
The new passenger statistics for the third quarter of 2015, confirm the airport’s strong growth, after figures appeared to show a levelling off during the first six months. In fact, regular commercial traffic and passenger numbers have continued to grow throughout the year, but an exceptional increase in airport traffic during May and June last year has skewed percentages.
May and June 2014 saw extraordinary passenger increases of 27 percent and 25 percent respectively, due to the volume of traffic diverted from Dubai International Airport because of a scheduled runway closure. The extra business boosted passenger traffic by 14 percent during the first six months of 2014, affecting percentage comparisons with the first six months of 2015.
Sharjah International Airport’s growth is driven by the expansion of Sharjah-headquartered budget airline Air Arabia, established international carrier routes and private aviation. Air Arabia carried over 6.8 million passengers in 2014, registering 12 percent year-on-year passenger growth. Meanwhile, global business aviation services company Gama Aviation is investing US$15 million (AED 55m) in expanding its Sharjah hub.
UAE: Sharjah Multi-billion Dollar Coastal Development
A multi-billion dollar development called ‘Sharjah Waterfront City’ on Sharjah’s northeast coast is expected to be announced at the region’s premier real estate event, Cityscape Global, next month. The emirate’s largest master-planned mixed-use development project to-date will cover an area of 60 million square feet along 36 kilometers of waterfront.
The mega-project, which replaces the previously planned Blue Bay development, will be built on the ten Al Nujoom Islands with retail centres, tourism attractions, a leisure cruise terminal, a water park, recreation areas, 200 mixed-use towers, 95 residential buildings and 1,100 waterfront villas, which will include freehold properties. The island developments will be connected by multiple transport networks including canals, roads and tramlines. The real estate development will eventually accommodate 226,000 people.
According to the developer Sharjah Oasis Real Estate, the first phase of the project, budgeted at AED 9.5 billion (US$ 2.6 billion), will include a central business district, 24 mixed-use towers, a large shopping centre, a luxury hotel and other tourism facilities. The developer expects phase one to be completed in the second quarter of 2018.
The vision for Sharjah Waterfront City is to create a mixed-use sea-front development that supports high quality modern lifestyles, state-of-the-art residential and commercial projects and unique tourism attractions and facilities. By virtue of its size and scope, the new development will provide a significant boost to Sharjah’s economy, creating thousands of new jobs and new business opportunities. In addition, Sharjah Waterfront’s location adjacent to Hamriyah Free Zone and port is expected to be mutually beneficial.
Sharjah Waterfront City is expected to become a major contributor to the emirate’s appeal as a tourist destination and support Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, the strategic plan developed by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) that aims to attract 10 million tourists by year 2021. One of the developments star attractions will be Crystal Lagoon, a 1.6 million square foot waterpark.
Sharjah Waterfront City is being developed to both leverage urban systems of efficiency, while creating sustainable, environmentally-friendly urban spaces consistent with Sharjah’s healthy city plans. Sharjah was recently accredited as the the Middle East’s first Healthy City by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a result of the city meeting a wide range of WHO criteria. It is hoped that the new development will prove to be a gold standard for urban development in Sharjah.
Strategic partners already appointed for Sharjah Waterfront City include Darwish Engineering Emirates Contracting, global design firm Jack Ross & Associates, WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, Adnan Saffarini Engineering Consultants and other consultants. There are also memorandums of understanding signed with a number of property operators, hotels, business centers, entertainment companies, retail groups and hypermarkets.
Cityscape Global takes place from 8-10 September at Dubai International Exhibition Centre.
UAE: Visitor Guide To Engage Sharjah Tourists
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced a new initiative to promote Sharjah’s tourist attractions and services via hotels and hotel apartments in the emirate. The SCTDA is installing interactive touch-screen information terminals in all five- and four-star hotels as well as luxury hotel apartments in an effort to engage visiting tourists.
The new initiative falls under the SCTDA’s Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategy that aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2021. The four pillars of Vision 2021 are promoting Sharjah as an Ideal Family Tourism Destination; developing an Innovative Tourism Approach; offering World Class Tourism Facilities and Capabilities; and Continuing to develop Sharjah’s status as an International Cultural Hub.
According to the SCTDA interactive information terminals will eventually be deployed to all hotels, tourist attractions, airport, shopping malls, museums and government departments in the emirate to help enhance Sharjah’s visitor experience. In addition to reducing the need for printed brochures, the new interactive information terminals will allow tourists and visitors to access comprehensive content about Sharjah allowing them to discover services, facilities and attractions that they may have otherwise missed.
The new interactive service focuses on highlighting Sharjah’s cultural attractions, but also offers information on a wide range of local services from education institutions to business and investment opportunities.
Sharjah’s tourism sector experienced strong growth in 2014, benefiting from the emirate’s status as Islamic Culture Capital for 2014, with more than two million guests checking into Sharjah hotels. The tourism sector is also expected to perform well in 2015, as Sharjah enjoys its year as the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015’. There are now more than 100 hotels in Sharjah offering 10,000 hotel rooms, including 50 hotels and 56 hotel apartments, with a number of new hotels and resorts currently under development.
UAE: Sharjah Introduces New Hotel Classification System
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has introduced a new hotel classification system in an effort to improve quality standards, offer consumers more choice and so to help boost overall tourism industry growth. The new classification updates the criteria introduced in 2008, which falls under the Sharjah Hotel Classification and Licensing Law.
According to HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Director General, the introduction of the new hotel classification system was timely, since Sharjah has a number of new hotels and tourism projects planned. The SCTDA expects 30 new hotels to open in the emirate over the next three years adding some 4,000 new hotel rooms to Sharjah’s existing capacity of 10,000 hotel rooms. The new hotel classification criteria were developed in close consultation with the emirate’s hotel sector.
Sharjah’s tourism industry has undergone strong growth during the past year and the SCTDA expects two million tourists to visit Sharjah by the end of 2014. More than one million tourists (1,099,877) were already registered visiting the emirate during the first six months of the year, showing a 15 percent increase in numbers compared with 2013.
Sharjah hotels had an average of 74 percent occupancy rate during the first six months of 2014, while resort hotels enjoyed a higher 80 percent average occupancy during the same period. The total number of hotel guest nights in the first half of 2014 was 1,817,416 compared with 1,753,866 during the same period last year.
The emirate currently has 50 hotels and 56 hotel apartments. With global brands such as Hilton and Radisson already represented, there are a number of new 4-star, 5-star hotel and resort property projects are already in progress. Starwood Hotels & Resorts will open a 5-star Sheraton and a 4-star Four Points hotel in 2015, whilst Accor is expected to open a new 4-star 200 room Novotel Sharjah Expo by the first quarter of 2017.
Sharjah’s tourism industry has benefited from being named Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and growth is expected to continue into 2015, which will be Sharjah’s year as the Capital of Arab Tourism.
According to HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Director General, the introduction of the new hotel classification system was timely, since Sharjah has a number of new hotels and tourism projects planned. The SCTDA expects 30 new hotels to open in the emirate over the next three years adding some 4,000 new hotel rooms to Sharjah’s existing capacity of 10,000 hotel rooms. The new hotel classification criteria were developed in close consultation with the emirate’s hotel sector.
Sharjah’s tourism industry has undergone strong growth during the past year and the SCTDA expects two million tourists to visit Sharjah by the end of 2014. More than one million tourists (1,099,877) were already registered visiting the emirate during the first six months of the year, showing a 15 percent increase in numbers compared with 2013.
Sharjah hotels had an average of 74 percent occupancy rate during the first six months of 2014, while resort hotels enjoyed a higher 80 percent average occupancy during the same period. The total number of hotel guest nights in the first half of 2014 was 1,817,416 compared with 1,753,866 during the same period last year.
The emirate currently has 50 hotels and 56 hotel apartments. With global brands such as Hilton and Radisson already represented, there are a number of new 4-star, 5-star hotel and resort property projects are already in progress. Starwood Hotels & Resorts will open a 5-star Sheraton and a 4-star Four Points hotel in 2015, whilst Accor is expected to open a new 4-star 200 room Novotel Sharjah Expo by the first quarter of 2017.
Sharjah’s tourism industry has benefited from being named Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and growth is expected to continue into 2015, which will be Sharjah’s year as the Capital of Arab Tourism.
UAE: Sharjah Hotels Register One Million Guests In H1
Sharjah hotels and resorts registered one million guests during the first half of 2015, according to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), consistent with last year’s statistics. Last year saw approximately two million tourists visit Sharjah throughout the year and the emirate aims to attract 10 million tourist per year by 2021.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. A number of new hotels and resorts are currently under development, including new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort managed by global hotel operator Accor; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Four Points hotel; an Aloft boutique hotel; and the 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa opening in September. Meanwhile, The Chedi Khor Fakkan mountainside luxury villa resort, a Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) project is also under construction.
Sharjah’s largest sources of tourists are visitors from Europe and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states, together accounting for more than 70 percent of tourist visitors during the first half of last year.
The SCTDA recently announced Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, a tourism development strategy that aims to develop Sharjah’s proposition for tourists and target different inbound tourist segments with specific campaigns and offers. Sharjah has invested heavily in developing itself as an international cultural hub showcasing its heritage and creating world class museums and other cultural, educational and Islamic resources.
Sharjah is currently enjoying its year as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015, putting the local tourism industry under the spotlight, while last year tourism enjoyed a boost as a result of Sharjah being voted the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014.
According to the SCTDA, the tourism sector accounts for 8.5 percent of Sharjah’s economy.
Monday, 16 November 2015
UAE: STAC Calls For Coordinated Tourism Approach
In a recent development, Sharjah Tourism Advisory Committee (STAC) recently held its fourth meeting.
The meeting was headed by HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) who reviewed tourism achievements during current year and most prominent projects and events.
The meeting was attended by HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, HE Abdul Aziz Al Jarwan, director of transportation in Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Ahmed Al Qaseer, chief operating officer, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sheikha Nawar Bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, communications senior coordinator at Sharjah Art Foundation, Maha AlJuwaied, administrative coordinator-chairman’s office in the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), engineer Lamia Obaid Al Shamsi, director of support services department at Sharjah International Airport Authority, Mohammed Desouky, area manager for Sharjah and Northern Emirates in Air Arabia and Nasser Nasef, chairman of the Hotels Business Group in the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa called upon all stakeholders in Sharjah’s tourism sector to work together in cooperation. Pointing importance of promoting latest projects and tourism festivals, HE Al Midfa urged public and private sectors to work together to showcase the emirate’s tourism offerings. He said the first step towards this direction involved improving tourism flow to the emirate to attract 10 million visitors by 2021 to achieve the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.
He further said that the traditional approach to tourism must be replaced with an integrated effort that suits interests of visitors from all nationalities. A major step in this direction was launch of the Marhabtain initiative, which aims to enhance human resource capabilities of the tourism sector as a key pillar of the Sharjah Tourism Vision.
“Family tourism is taking over the travel industry, and is set to register a growth of 4.79% annually until 2020 as against 3.8% growth by overall tourism sector. The global family tourism market, which was worth US$140 billion in 2013, is expected to expand to more than US$180 billion by 2018,” HE Saif Al Midfa.
The meeting was headed by HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) who reviewed tourism achievements during current year and most prominent projects and events.
The meeting was attended by HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, HE Abdul Aziz Al Jarwan, director of transportation in Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority, Ahmed Al Qaseer, chief operating officer, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sheikha Nawar Bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, communications senior coordinator at Sharjah Art Foundation, Maha AlJuwaied, administrative coordinator-chairman’s office in the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), engineer Lamia Obaid Al Shamsi, director of support services department at Sharjah International Airport Authority, Mohammed Desouky, area manager for Sharjah and Northern Emirates in Air Arabia and Nasser Nasef, chairman of the Hotels Business Group in the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa called upon all stakeholders in Sharjah’s tourism sector to work together in cooperation. Pointing importance of promoting latest projects and tourism festivals, HE Al Midfa urged public and private sectors to work together to showcase the emirate’s tourism offerings. He said the first step towards this direction involved improving tourism flow to the emirate to attract 10 million visitors by 2021 to achieve the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.
He further said that the traditional approach to tourism must be replaced with an integrated effort that suits interests of visitors from all nationalities. A major step in this direction was launch of the Marhabtain initiative, which aims to enhance human resource capabilities of the tourism sector as a key pillar of the Sharjah Tourism Vision.
“Family tourism is taking over the travel industry, and is set to register a growth of 4.79% annually until 2020 as against 3.8% growth by overall tourism sector. The global family tourism market, which was worth US$140 billion in 2013, is expected to expand to more than US$180 billion by 2018,” HE Saif Al Midfa.
Friday, 6 November 2015
UAE: Ras Al Khaimah Has Launched Its Tourism Vision For 2018
Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are upbeat about attracting more visitors. Tourism authorities of both the emirates are participating at the World Travel Market, which is taking place in London until Thursday.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced its vision on Wednesday at the World Travel Market to attract one million visitors by the end of 2018.
Under the vision, the emirate will also increase the average length of stay from 3.1 days to 3.6 days and encourage repeat visits.
“Ras Al Khaimah has already been recognised as the fastest growing emirate in terms of tourism. Under the guidance of His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate has seen impressive growth in visitor numbers across all of our top source markets, and we have laid out the Vision for 2018 to further build on this success,” Haitham Mattar, CEO of the authority, said in a statement.
To achieve its tourism vision, Ras Al Khaimah will focus on three key areas. First, it will broaden the emirate’s offerings, with a focus on business, culture and heritage events. Second, it will diversify its source markets. And third, it will boost its marketing efforts on rebranding and improving insights into travel trends and the travel habits of visitors to Ras Al Khaimah.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said that the emirate is upbeat about attracting more visitors from international markets this year.
Sharjah aims to attract 10 million tourists to the emirate under the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021. Its four key pillars are to promote the emirate as an ideal family tourism destination, adopt an innovative tourism approach, develop its tourism facilities and capabilities, and strengthen Sharjah’s position as an international cultural hub.
“The SCTDA’s participation in international exhibitions and events is focused on strengthening the emirate’s tourism industry in the global markets and promoting the major development projects adopted by the Authority to enhance the tourism experience,” stated Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the authority.
The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority announced its vision on Wednesday at the World Travel Market to attract one million visitors by the end of 2018.
Under the vision, the emirate will also increase the average length of stay from 3.1 days to 3.6 days and encourage repeat visits.
“Ras Al Khaimah has already been recognised as the fastest growing emirate in terms of tourism. Under the guidance of His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, the emirate has seen impressive growth in visitor numbers across all of our top source markets, and we have laid out the Vision for 2018 to further build on this success,” Haitham Mattar, CEO of the authority, said in a statement.
To achieve its tourism vision, Ras Al Khaimah will focus on three key areas. First, it will broaden the emirate’s offerings, with a focus on business, culture and heritage events. Second, it will diversify its source markets. And third, it will boost its marketing efforts on rebranding and improving insights into travel trends and the travel habits of visitors to Ras Al Khaimah.
Meanwhile, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said that the emirate is upbeat about attracting more visitors from international markets this year.
Sharjah aims to attract 10 million tourists to the emirate under the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021. Its four key pillars are to promote the emirate as an ideal family tourism destination, adopt an innovative tourism approach, develop its tourism facilities and capabilities, and strengthen Sharjah’s position as an international cultural hub.
“The SCTDA’s participation in international exhibitions and events is focused on strengthening the emirate’s tourism industry in the global markets and promoting the major development projects adopted by the Authority to enhance the tourism experience,” stated Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the authority.
UAE: Sharjah Launches ‘mClass’ Smart Hotel Classification
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said it announced its new smart services, most notably the ‘mClass’ smart hotel classification and the ‘Sharjah’ Mobile App in seven languages.
This has been done to enhance the tourism experience in Sharjah.
This has been done to enhance the tourism experience in Sharjah as it began its active participation at the 35th edition of Gitex Technology Week 2015 in Dubai.
Gitex as an ideal platform for government entities to inform the public about their latest smart services aligned to UAE Smart Government goals to save people’s time and effort and contribute to sustainable development process, said Khalid Jasem Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA.
This has been done to enhance the tourism experience in Sharjah.
This has been done to enhance the tourism experience in Sharjah as it began its active participation at the 35th edition of Gitex Technology Week 2015 in Dubai.
Gitex as an ideal platform for government entities to inform the public about their latest smart services aligned to UAE Smart Government goals to save people’s time and effort and contribute to sustainable development process, said Khalid Jasem Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA.
Monday, 2 November 2015
UAE: Sharjah To Promote Latest Tourism And Hospitality Developments At World Travel Market 2015
HE Al Midfa: SCTDA will highlight Sharjah's identity as a safe family tourist destination for visitors from Europe
Sharjah: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced its 13th consecutive year of participation at the World Travel Market 2015 in London from November 2 to 5, during which it will promote the latest developments in the emirate's tourism and hospitality sectors as well as the projects and initiatives launched by SCTDA during the current year.
The Sharjah delegation to the WTM will be led by His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and will include representatives from Sharjah Airport Authority, Shurooq, EPAA, Sharjah Museums, Sharjah Healthcare Authority, Sheraton Sharjah, Ramada, Al Shaab Village, Hotel Holiday International, Marbella Resort, Oceanic Hotel, Copthorne Hotel, and Sharjah Airport Travel Agency.
"SCTDA is keen to tap the huge potential offered by this major global event to meet with the key players in the travel and tourism industry and discuss the latest developments in the sector. We are also looking forward to exploring possibilities of new cooperation and partnerships," HE Al Midfa said.
He said Sharjah's participation at the WTM will enable the emirate to showcase its latest projects and events launched under the Sharjah Tourism Vision that aims to attract 10 million tourists to the emirate.
HE Al Midfa explained that this year the Authority will highlight Sharjah at the WTM as the ideal family tourism destination, a key pillar of the Sharjah Tourism Vision, under which special packages and deals will be offered for families. SCTDA will also promote its innovative services and facilities launched to improve the tourism experience and enhance the efficiency of the tourism sector in Sharjah.
"Through our participation at the WTM 2015, we are seeking to promote Sharjah's identity as a safe family tourist destination that offers genuine heritage and cultural attractions to attract more visitors from Europe," HE Al Midfa said.
He pointed out that SCTDA will also promote business and trade opportunities to investors from all over the world and showcase the most prominent events and festivals that will be organised in Sharjah in the coming period.
"Cruise tourism is another focal area in view of the remarkable growth achieved by Sharjah in this sector in recent years. The emirate attracted 35 international cruise calls carrying about 80,000 visitors during the 2014-15 cruise season. We expect this sector to experience significant growth in the coming years," HE Al Midfa added.
Europe is one of the most important tourism markets for Sharjah with the emirate's hotels receiving 663,000 guests from the continent in 2014, accounting for 32 per cent of the total hotel guests in the emirate during the period. Sharjah offers visitors from Europe an authentic Arabian atmosphere with activities and events within the city of Sharjah as well as the emirate's east coast, where they get to experience nature and participate in outdoor activities at mangroves, mountains and idyllic beaches.
Strategically located, Sharjah is an ideal investment hub in the Middle East for European business entities. It provides direct access to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and offers the latest infrastructure facilities and logistics services.
The WTM, one of the most specialised exhibitions in Europe's tourism sector, marks its 36th edition this year. More than 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, decision makers and international media will participate in the exhibition which generates over £2.5 billion of travel industry contracts.
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.
Sharjah: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced its 13th consecutive year of participation at the World Travel Market 2015 in London from November 2 to 5, during which it will promote the latest developments in the emirate's tourism and hospitality sectors as well as the projects and initiatives launched by SCTDA during the current year.
The Sharjah delegation to the WTM will be led by His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and will include representatives from Sharjah Airport Authority, Shurooq, EPAA, Sharjah Museums, Sharjah Healthcare Authority, Sheraton Sharjah, Ramada, Al Shaab Village, Hotel Holiday International, Marbella Resort, Oceanic Hotel, Copthorne Hotel, and Sharjah Airport Travel Agency.
"SCTDA is keen to tap the huge potential offered by this major global event to meet with the key players in the travel and tourism industry and discuss the latest developments in the sector. We are also looking forward to exploring possibilities of new cooperation and partnerships," HE Al Midfa said.
He said Sharjah's participation at the WTM will enable the emirate to showcase its latest projects and events launched under the Sharjah Tourism Vision that aims to attract 10 million tourists to the emirate.
HE Al Midfa explained that this year the Authority will highlight Sharjah at the WTM as the ideal family tourism destination, a key pillar of the Sharjah Tourism Vision, under which special packages and deals will be offered for families. SCTDA will also promote its innovative services and facilities launched to improve the tourism experience and enhance the efficiency of the tourism sector in Sharjah.
"Through our participation at the WTM 2015, we are seeking to promote Sharjah's identity as a safe family tourist destination that offers genuine heritage and cultural attractions to attract more visitors from Europe," HE Al Midfa said.
He pointed out that SCTDA will also promote business and trade opportunities to investors from all over the world and showcase the most prominent events and festivals that will be organised in Sharjah in the coming period.
"Cruise tourism is another focal area in view of the remarkable growth achieved by Sharjah in this sector in recent years. The emirate attracted 35 international cruise calls carrying about 80,000 visitors during the 2014-15 cruise season. We expect this sector to experience significant growth in the coming years," HE Al Midfa added.
Europe is one of the most important tourism markets for Sharjah with the emirate's hotels receiving 663,000 guests from the continent in 2014, accounting for 32 per cent of the total hotel guests in the emirate during the period. Sharjah offers visitors from Europe an authentic Arabian atmosphere with activities and events within the city of Sharjah as well as the emirate's east coast, where they get to experience nature and participate in outdoor activities at mangroves, mountains and idyllic beaches.
Strategically located, Sharjah is an ideal investment hub in the Middle East for European business entities. It provides direct access to the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean and offers the latest infrastructure facilities and logistics services.
The WTM, one of the most specialised exhibitions in Europe's tourism sector, marks its 36th edition this year. More than 50,000 senior travel industry professionals, decision makers and international media will participate in the exhibition which generates over £2.5 billion of travel industry contracts.
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.
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