Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced its participation in the Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM 2009), a business travel exhibition for the meeting, conference and incentives industry that will be held from 31 March - 2 April 2009 at the National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi. Some 250 exhibitors from all over the region and the world have confirmed their participation so far.

Appearing at this highly significant exhibition for the third time, the SCTDA will lead Sharjah’s delegation, which will include representatives of several organizations and authorities in Sharjah, as well as a number of key travel and tourism agencies.

This exhibition, being held in the Gulf for the third time, puts the spotlight on the regional Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) industry, providing networking opportunities, seminars and workshops that target the innumerable industries that cover the MICE sector.

Participation in this event is of great importance to the SCTDA, as the exhibition provides a unique business-to-business platform for firms and organisations to come together under one roof; interact and communicate with each other and meet key decision makers, planners and all those involved in this industry. It is the place where they can all learn and benefit from each other’s experiences in hosting and arranging international meetings, issues of protocol and holding conferences.

The SCTDA is keen to make its presence felt, through participation in GIBTM, as its involvement here has been synchronized with the development of Sharjah as a favorable world class destination. Consolidating Sharjah’s position on the international map of tourism is considered the primary mission on SCTDA’s agenda. This goal can be achieved through the participation in such outstanding events, which attract local, regional and international interest.

In the past two years the SCTDA has enjoyed a strong presence at this important exhibition through its strategy to make Sharjah attractive to this sector in the region and the world. Naturally, the authority aims to make a defining statement at this year’s exhibition too.

GIBTM is dedicated to the business tourism sector, which research has shown to be one of the most vibrant and resilient aspects of the market. Conference and event organisers are constantly on the lookout for new venues and attractions in order to broaden their options. In this respect Sharjah has much to offer.

For the third year running, the exhibition will again be showcasing the latest technological developments in the industry, as technology and event services have become a key element for organisers in the staging of a successful event. This specialist sector of the industry has enjoyed rapid growth in the region and all the signs are that this expansion is set to continue.

For further information, please contact:

Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority
Media Department
Tel: 00971 6 5566777
Fax: 00971 6 5563000

Maryam Keblawi
SAHARA Communications
Tel: +971 4 329 8996
Fax: +971 4 329 8996
www.saharagcc.com