Sharjah: The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has concluded its participation at the 43rd World Travel Market (WTM) in London, a three-day global event that attracted thousands of professionals from the travel and tourism industry. The showcase solidified Sharjah’s status as an emerging international destination, with a particular focus on drawing European tourists, a rapidly growing segment for the emirate.
SCTDA highlighted the strategic value of European visitors, noting a 7% increase in arrivals from Europe this year. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Chairman, stressed Sharjah’s ambitious tourism plans, underscoring the importance of WTM in achieving these goals. Al Midfa stated that, “With 350,000 European tourists visiting this year, we anticipate even stronger growth by the end of 2024, thanks to our participation in platforms like WTM.”
At WTM, Sharjah presented new passages in tourism infrastructure and hospitality projects planned to enhance its appeal for cultural, leisure, and adventure tourism. Notable interests included the Sharjah Safari, the world’s largest safari park outside Africa, and the Moon Retreat, a unique desert glamping venture that blends modern comfort with natural surroundings. The focus on eco-tourism and adventure experiences mirrors the emirate’s commitment to diversifying its offerings and catering to various tourist interests.
Sharjah Asset Management, represented by CEO Salim Al Midfa, used the event as a possibility to showcase strategic investment projects and expand Sharjah’s network of international partnerships. Al Midfa stressed the role of global events in broadening investment opportunities and strengthening Sharjah’s competitiveness as both a tourism and investment hub.
Shurooq CEO His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer highlighted Sharjah’s dedication to sustainability, presenting projects like the Mleiha National Park and Nomad that embody environmentally conscious tourism. Al Qaseer stated that, “The rising demand for sustainable travel aligns with our focus on developing destinations that harmonize natural beauty with cultural heritage.”
Furthering Sharjah’s sustainability efforts, His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage (SIH), examined SIH’s role in maintaining Emirati culture and its efforts to enhance cultural heritage tourism. The institute’s projects aim to encourage heritage tourism on a global scale, supporting the emirate’s commitment to sustainable tourism development.
The Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), represented by Chairman His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, also spoke in the WTM to discuss the airport’s plans to accommodate increasing passenger demand. Al Midfa noted the importance of SAA’s presence at the event, highlighting the ongoing expansion project set to improve the airport’s annual capacity to 25 million passengers by 2028.
The UAE Embassy in the UK, in collaboration with SCTDA, organized a delegation of Emirati students studying in the UK to unite the Sharjah pavilion. These students encountered visitors, providing an understanding of Sharjah’s unique offerings, while promoting cultural exchange and fostering a stronger association between the UAE and international communities.
Sharjah’s presence at the World Travel Market in London showcased its dynamic mix of tradition, innovation, and sustainable tourism initiatives, strengthening its status as a compelling destination for travelers worldwide.