Sharjah’s tourism, hospitality to take centre stage at ATM 2019

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

The latest achievements and ongoing of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and their efforts to develop the emirate’s tourism sector, and grow its position as one of the key global cities for leading eco-tourism and luxury hospitality projects and experiences, will all be under focus at the upcoming edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2019), which comes back to the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), between April 28 – May 1, 2019.

As part of the Sharjah Pavilion under the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA), Shurooq’s stand at ATM 2019 – Hall 4, Stand ME 4150 - will be inspired by the uniqueness of its world-class offerings in leisure and tourism.

Celebrating its 12th consecutive participation at ATM 2019, Shurooq will be highlighting its stellar portfolio of hospitality and eco-tourism projects such as Al Bait Hotel which is located at the Heart of Sharjah, and is managed and operated by General Hotel Management (GHM), and three lodges under ‘Sharjah Collection’, that are managed and operated by “Mysk by Shaza”. The three lodges include Al Faya Lodge in Mleiha, Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, and Al Badayer Oasis in Al Badayer Desert, along side with other projects including Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project, Al Noor Island and Al Montazah Parks, as well as its picturesque Khorfakkan beach project. Additional tourism projects developed by Shurooq showcased at ATM 2019 include products and merchandises from the “I Love Sharjah” brand, in addition to offers and guide to the Sharjah City Sightseeing Bus tours.

Shurooq’s stand will be divided into two sections – where one section will be dedicated to Al Bait Hotel with its offerings and authentic interiors, and another section will feature the services in the three Sharjah Collection destinations and their unique experiences.

With these on offer, Shurooq’s overarching participation objective is to shed light on its diverse and endless potential for its authentic and eco-tourism tourism projects, which has been matched by its capability in delivering the finest hospitality and leisure experiences in compliance with top international standards.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer of Shurooq, said: “We are always keen to participate at this important regional event aimed at promoting the diversity of our offerings, experiences and achievements within the tourism and travel industry in the region. We intend to make the most from this platform while sharing with tourists and visitors looking for unique, authentic and exclusive experiences through our special offerings and cultural experiences, which also contributes to the integrated efforts of achieving the Sharjah Vision 2021, attracting more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by 2021.”

He added: “We are also participating in this major event to highlight our latest achievements and new projects, which includes a range of projects launched by Shurooq in the tourism and hospitality sector, and the ones that are being developed as collaborations either with government or private entities. All these reflect the Authority’s vision and strategy to develop key tourism projects that strengthen the emirate’s rich culture, and attract diverse investment opportunities in the emirate. This will also be the foundation for a sophisticated infrastructure that will eventually improve the cultural and eco-tourism sectors.”

Shurooq seeks to make the best use of the ATM platform to promote Sharjah’s investment-friendly environment and its major cultural and leisure attractions as well as its highly sophisticated infrastructure before 40,000 industry experts and visitors to attract more foreign investments into the emirate.

Founded in 2009, Shurooq is the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah into an investment, tourism and trading hub. Shurooq is mandated to evaluate and follow up tourism, investment and heritage-related infrastructure projects, in addition to its participation in the emirate’s comprehensive development.

The authority also provides facilities for investors and all investment activities in collaboration with other entities and authorities, by establishing a comprehensive information centre that illuminates investment opportunities in the emirate.

Earlier in the month of March, Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launched ‘Sharjah Sustainable City, the first urban mixed-use project in the emirate, which meets the highest standards of green economy and environmental sustainability. It is the outcome of a strategic partnership between Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers, a leading sustainable communities developer in the UAE.