The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced plans to participate in the 29th Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2022), taking place May 9-12 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Authority will be taking part in the event, which sheds light on the future of the travel and tourism sector, with the aim of confirming its commitment to promoting new and future projects in the Emirate of Sharjah, underlining the importance of developing tourist destinations to attract more visitors to the emirate and exploring new opportunities for collaboration with leading international tourism companies and institutions.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority consistently takes part in the annual Arabian Travel Market with the wealth of unique opportunities it presents for all tourism professionals, allowing them to network, communicate, exchange expertise, and explore best practices.

The Authority joins several of its strategic partners at the Sharjah Pavilion at ATM 2022, which SCTDA will use as a platform to showcase the latest developments taking place in Sharjah’s tourism sector and the diverse experiences the emirate offers in order to build a sustainable tourism sector.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, asserted: “The Arabian Travel Market exhibition is taking place at a critical turning point for the global tourism sector, with an accelerated return to normalcy following the near-complete removal of pandemic-related restrictions on travel and aviation. This makes a prominent platform like ATM 2022 all the more important for shedding light on the sector’s developments domestically and internationally, as well as for showcasing the visions and future plans for the tourism sector. Taking part in Arabian Travel Market 2022 is an ideal opportunity to enhance communication among all relevant parties and find ways to rebuild effective partnerships that are rooted in innovation and sustainability standards.”

“This participation is an exceptional opportunity to showcase Sharjah’s tourism offering and potential across various fields and sectors, in line with the vision of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to advance the emirate’s international position as a prominent tourism destination with diverse tourism products and experiences that meet the requirements and aspirations of tourists from all around the world. And in line with that vision, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is committed to actively participating every year in this international platform that has, over the years, proven its capacity and role in shaping the global tourism sector and offering inspiring visions for the future,” He added.

Al Midfa stressed the importance of Sharjah’s participation in this year’s ATM, seeing as the emirate offers a unique tourism product with diverse experiences for family members of all ages and individuals of varying interests. “Sharjah is home to diverse destinations that meet the aspirations of eco-tourism enthusiasts, adventure lovers and outdoor activity buffs. At the same time, the emirate has plenty to offer those who are more inclined towards culture, arts, and entertainment, with a packed year-round agenda. The Emirate of Sharjah is a leading destination for world-class exhibitions, events, and festivals; it is also a great place for children, offering a wide range of community and entertainment destinations to enrich their experience. The list goes on to include sports tourism, museums and archaeological tourism, and much more to be enjoyed in the emirate.”

Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, described Arabian Travel Market as the leading global exhibition for domestic and international tourism in the Middle East. “The exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the unique tourist destinations and attractions that the Emirate of Sharjah has to offer, especially the nature reserves and the sites that combine tourism and nature, which are becoming increasingly popular with tourists in the region and the world,” she said.

Al Suwaidi indicated that the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah is taking part in ATM 2022 as part of the Sharjah Pavilion, adding that this year’s display will focus on Sharjah Safari - the largest safari in the world outside Africa, stand-out attraction which includes more than 120 species in an environment similar to that of Africa on a total area of eight square kilometres. “This new nature destination adds a competitive edge for tourism in Sharjah, and will attract more diverse visitors to the emirate,” she noted.

Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, said: “Sharjah International Airport Authority is participating in the Arabian Travel Market 2022 out of our commitment to enhancing and complementing the emirate’s efforts to revitalise the tourism sector.”