Sharjah made a bold push for its business tourism sector and MICE industry as it wrapped up the successful seventh edition of the GIBTM, 2013 that concluded in Abu Dhabi today (March 27, Wednesday) with the emirate evoking considerable interest of major business tourism players, exhibitors, investors and international media.

The GIBTM Abu Dhabi, held from March 25 to 27,this year attracted more than 2,400 participants and 300 exhibitors from 36 countries that include business tourism destinations, industry leaders and investors who met and brainstormed to explore new opportunities and trends in the business tourism sector and exchanged ideas and experiences. The 3-day exhibition held at ADNEC in the capital received more than 30,000 visitors.

The spotlight remained firmly on business tourism with senior officials from theSharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority and other Sharjahgovernment bodies making a successful presentation on the MICE industry and investment opportunities in the emirate and the efforts and initiatives being employed to boost and develop this niche tourism market in Sharjah.

Speaking at the exquisite Sharjah pavilion on the sidelines of the exhibition, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said that the first quarter of the year forSharjah’s tourism sector has been very healthyand robust with the hotel industry in the emirate reporting near-full occupancy rates and maintaining the growth of the last year. He said that the strong performance during the first quarter promises a positive year for Sharjah’s tourism sector.

Al Midfa said: “The first quarter of the year has been eventful for Sharjah’s tourism sector with the emirate attracting a significant number of international visitors. The emirate has had a busy calendar in the first quarter hosting several international festivals and events such as the Sharjah Light Festival and the Sharjah Government Communication Forum, both held in February, and the Sharjah Biennial, which opened on March 13. While the 9-night Sharjah Light Festival attracted thousands of visitors from near and far to the emirate, the Sharjah Government Communication Forum saw world leaders such as Turkish Prime Minister RecepTayyipErdoganand highfliers in attendance. It’s the diversity of such events that is one of the many reasons that tourists are drawn to Sharjah.”

Underscoring the opportunities and potential of business tourism in Sharjah and the region at large, Al Midfa said: “Business tourism sector holds great promise and has the potential to contribute to the emirate’s and nation’s economy. This sector has already witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. And the future looks even brighter. The GIBTM 2013 Abu Dhabi presented an ideal opportunity to explore the potential of this niche market forSharjahand the Middle East.”

Al Midfa urged all players of the tourism sector to make the most of Sharjah’s business tourism infrastructure and world-class facilities such as the Expo Centre, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the recently opened top-notch Al Jawahar Reception and Convention Centre that can accommodate 3,000 participants.

“The significant economic growth rateof Sharjah and the UAEin recent years and the expanding tourism market, especially business tourism sector, calls forgreater efforts by everyone concerned to tap this exclusive market in a region that regularly witnesses numerous international business events and meetings,” emphasized Al Midfa.

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