The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is all set for the Arabian Travel Market, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event to be held in Dubai from April 30 to May 3, 2012.

Underscoring the importance of being part of the region’s largest trade and consumer travel exhibition, SCTDA Chairman HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman said the Authority is heading to the ATM this year armed with new strategies and plans to enhance the emirate’s global profile and boost the crucial tourism sector in the emirate.

“ATM provides us with a great opportunity to showcase the emirate’s unique tourism products and services and promote Sharjah as a world-class tourist destination,” said Al Noman who heads the high profile Sharjah delegation to the ATM next week, promising new strategies and plans to enhance the emirate’s global profile.

The SCTDA has been regularly showcasing Sharjah at leading international travel and tourism events over the past many years. “The participation in the ATM this year follows our successes at the ITB Berlin, MITT Moscow and GIBTM Abu Dhabi where Sharjah once again caught everyone’s attention with its distinct stand celebrating the rich cultural fair and tourist attractions on offer,” said Al Noman.

This year the much awaited ATM could see a substantial increase in the number of exhibitors tourist destinations and products, and will present an important platform for Sharjah and the UAE to showcase their tourism market. The ATM is expected to attract more than 2,000 exhibiting companies and between 25,000 to 30,000 people from more than hundred countries, not to mention more than a thousand journalists from around the world, are attending the event this year.

In view of the enormous potential of the Middle East’s travel market, Al Noman said, governments and tourism industry in the region have to intensify their efforts to develop tourism potential and infrastructure in the region. The SCTDA Chairman said that public and private sectors in Sharjah are working to attract international visitors to boost the emirate’s economy.

“All of us involved in promoting Sharjah as a unique tourist destination are working together as a team to achieve this purpose. New markets have already opened up thanks to our regular participation in international exhibitions,” he said.

Sharjah’s 529-square metres stand at the ATM Dubai will showcase the rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions of the emirate, as well as highlight its educational, entertainment and business facilities. Information about the emirate will be available to visitors in both Arabic and English.

Al Noman said regular participation in international events such as ATM has helped the growth of the travel and tourism sector. “We have seen a significant increase in the number of visitors annually. Sharjah is today recognised as a world-class tourism destination for the entire family,” he added. This year’s participation in ATM will be the largest for the emirate in the last 14 years.

The Sharjah delegation to ATM includes senior officials of the SCTDA, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Airport Authority, Ramada Sharjah, Sharjah National Hotels (Marbella Resort/Oceanic Hotel and Resort Khorfakkan/Hotel Holiday International), Golden Tulip Sharjah, Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah Media Centre, Al Hamrah Group (Al Hamrah Hotel, Al Sharq Hotel and Al Sharq Suites), Al Khalidiah Tourism, Royal Beach Resort and Spa and Constemp Travel Club etc.

Meanwhile, the ATM this year will also include a special workshop on the effects and implications of the Arab Spring on the tourism markets in the region over the past year or so. Also, there will be discussions on the opportunities and potential of the emerging tourism markets such as China and Russia and the role technology could play in promoting tourism.