Arabian Travel Market 2014 opens on May 5 with a strong presence of the Emirate of Sharjah. Led by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, more than 15 government entities and private sector players are participating for the 17th year in the region's largest specialised travel and tourism industry summit being held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 5 to 8.

Underlining the importance of Sharjah's participation in the premier exhibition, HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said that the initiative is once aimed at highlighting the various recent achievements of the Emirate in the tourism sector - new projects, strategies, plans - and the massive development witnessed by the sector during the past few years. Once again the focus will be on Sharjah as a distinct global tourist destination with its rich culture, heritage and Islamic identity defining its special character and attractive qualities.

Al Noman said that the Dubai exhibition offers a great platform to connect and meet leaders of the tourism and travel industry from around the world and mutually benefit from each other's experiences, expertise and explore investment opportunities in tourism and various other sectors to promote growth in the Emirate.

The interaction and international focus will help contribute to enriching the quality of the Emirate's tourism product especially when Sharjah is being celebrated as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 and is looking to showcase and promote its historical and cultural attractions and heritage before the world.

The Sharjah delegation to the ATM Dubai this year includes Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), Sharjah Airport Authority, Air Arabia, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPPA), Sharjah Museums Department, Hotel 72 By Hues, Hilton Sharjah, Radisson Blu Resort, Hotel Holiday International, Ramada Hotel, Oceanic Hotel and Resort Khorfakkan, Royal Grand Hotel, Expo Novotel Hotel, Al Hamrah Group, Al Khalidiah Tourism, Al Maha Regency Suite, Al Bustan Group, Cozmo Travel, and Lou Lou'a/Sharjah Premier Group etc.

It is worth mentioning that the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is keen to participate in the key events and activities of the local and international industry to promote Sharjah's tourism product and experience, and to highlight the new tourism projects, attractions and developments. This year, the focus has been on the Sharjah Islamic Culture Capital 2014 celebrations.

The ATM Dubai offers a global platform to showcase the Emirate's tourism experience, competing with the best of the best destinations from around the world and helping the Authority in targeting new tourist markets, imbibe new ideas and evolve strategic policies and approaches that can be implemented in the future to generate new opportunities and attract more international visitors.