In line with its efforts to further enhance Sharjah's position on the world tourism map and promote the emirate’s finest tourism and hospitality offerings among Kazakh tourists, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will lead a high-level delegation from the emirate of Sharjah at the Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Fair - KITF 2018. The event is scheduled to be held in the Kazakh city of Almaty from April 18 to 20 at the Almaty International Exhibition Center.

SCTDA will utilize KITF’s strategic platform to support its efforts to increase the influx of international tourists to Sharjah by tapping into the Kazakh market. The Authority’s participation will thus facilitate the achievement of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, which aims to attract 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021.

HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, emphasized the importance of the Authority’s participation in the Kazakhstan International Tourism and Travel Fair, as it reflects the commitment of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make the Emirate the ideal family destination. He added that the participation opens new horizons to support the emirate’s tourism goals by attracting more Kazakh tourists and coincides with the recent decision to exempt them from pre-entry visa requirements to enter the UAE.

Pointing out the significance of participation in major international tourism exhibitions, Al Midfa commented: "SCTDA’s marketing plans are designed to meet the current and the future requirements of the emirate’s tourism and commercial sectors. We are keen to participate in various local and international exhibitions in the tourism and travel sector, based on our vision of making Sharjah the ideal destination for family-friendly tourism. Our participation in KITF 2018 highlights Sharjah's unique tourist attractions that make it one of the best tourist destinations that cater to tourists seeking to explore heritage, science, culture and the arts.”

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Al Midfa added: “The Authority is responsible for accelerating the development of the local tourism sector, in coordination with the public and private sectors. This is accomplished through ensuring progress of tourism development projects, which contribute to the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects that support the emirate of Sharjah in achieving sustainable growth and prosperity. We attach huge importance to the arrival of Kazakh tourists, due to the historical relations between the UAE and the State of Kazakhstan. Recent years have witnessed intensive relations between both parties on various levels and fields, which has led to the exemption of Kazakh tourists from obtaining a pre-entry visa.”

Sharjah boasts a distinctive tourism potential, as its historical, cultural and civilizational heritage, successfully attracted 18,274 Kazakh tourists during 2017. SCTDA has undertaken a range of activities and initiatives to highlight the emirate’s tourism and heritage landmarks, including hosting of entertainment events, provision of finest amenities for tourists, and the promotion of Sharjah as a unique family and cultural tourism destination. These include workshops and promotional tours aimed at promoting tourism in Kazakhstan, presenting the most important developments and tourism projects in Sharjah before a delegation of about 100 Kazakh tourist companies.

The hospitality sector in Sharjah has witnessed a significant increase in the number of guests and visitors during the last year compared to 2016. The sector currently comprises 102 hotel facilities, providing about 10,000 hotel rooms. The tourism and hotel projects that are currently being developed, including Al Badayer Oasis; Kalba Fisher Lodge; Al Bait Hotel; Novotel Expo Sharjah; Sharjah’s Anantara Resort Sharjah; Pullman Hotel; Fossil Rock lodge; DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah, are expected to add value to the emirate's tourism sector, with several new hotel projects to be announced in detail during the event.

The delegation led by SCTDA includes representatives from Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (Sata), Air Arabia, Al Rais Travel, Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa, Ramada Sharjah Hotel, Copthorne Sharjah Resort, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort& Spa; Royal Tulip The Act Hotel, Hilton Sharjah Hotel, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, Sharjah Beach Hotel, and Al Khalidiah Resort.