In line with its strategy to showcase the tourism potential of Sharjah at roadshows and specialised exhibitions in the region and the world, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is participating in Riyadh Travel Fair 2015 which began in the Saudi capital today. Participants representing the most important tourist destinations as well as travel and hospitality companies in the region are taking part in the event, which runs until April 17, 2015.

SCTDA's participation in the event is aimed at strengthening the position of Sharjah as a preferred tourist destination for visitors from Saudi Arabia, which is currently a major target market for the Emirate's tourism sector. The SCTDA is also seeking to promote Sharjah's tourism products through direct communication with partners in the Saudi market.

The event offers an opportunity to draw attention to the prominent events being hosted by SCTDA to celebrate Sharjah’s recognition as Arab Tourism Capital for 2015. The Sharjah pavilion at the exhibition is showcasing the leading tourism projects in the Emirate and highlighting the major events and festivals organised by SCTDA every year. SCTDA will distribute brochures containing details about the family attractions and the key cultural and leisure destinations in the Emirate.

SCTDA participation in Riyadh Travel Fair 2015 includes a number of meetings with specialists from the Saudi tourism sector as well as representatives from the Gulf and regional destinations. During the event, SCTDA is aiming to widen the horizons for joint cooperation and attract more tourism opportunities from the Gulf market, apart from exchanging experiences in tourism and economic fields.

According to SCTDA, hotels in Sharjah have recently reported full occupancy driven by a massive influx of tourist from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, particularly families from the Saudi Arabia. The number of hotel guests from Saudi Arabia during the months of January and February this year stood at 42,150 compared with 37,941 during the same period in 2014.

Riyadh Travel Fair is the largest exhibition for the travel and tourism in Saudi Arabia. The event, in its seventh edition this year, has attracted about 3,500 exhibitors from tourism and commercial sectors in the Gulf and Arab region. The exhibition annually attracts more than 20,000 visitors.