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An upbeat Sharjah is looking forward to expanding its presence in the Saudi tourism market as it heads to the fifth edition of the Riyadh Travel Fair, taking place in the Saudi capital from April 23-26. Around 3,000 exhibitors, delegates and trade visitors from across the region and around the world, representing governments and leaders of the tourism and hospitality industry are taking part in the Riyadh Travel Fair this year.
HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, described Sharjah’s participation in the Riyadh Travel Fair as an important part of the emirate’s strategy to reach out to the massive Saudi tourism market. “This will strengthen the emirate’s tourism cooperation with the GCC countries, especially the Saudi market which is our biggest contributor in the GCC region and thus most important for us,” he emphasised.
“The Riyadh Travel Fair has emerged as one of the key events in the region. A number of local, regional and international destinations, companies and government bodies involved in the hospitality sector take part in it. So we are confident that this participation will help us in selling the Sharjah tourism product in the Saudi and regional market,” said Al Noman.
He said that the numbers of the Saudi tourists to Sharjah have been growing fast year on year. “Saudi Arabia once again contributed the biggest chunk to Sharjah’s GCC tourism market last year with 195,462 Saudi tourists visiting the emirate in 2012, which is a whopping 96 per cent increase over the previous year’s figure of 99,505. This gives us confidence that our strategy in reaching out to the GCC countries, especially in tapping the Saudi market, has been successful and delivering results,” he added.
Describing Sharjah as a special tourism destination for Saudi and Gulf tourists offering incredible diversity, Al Noman said the Saudis and tourists from other Gulf states found truly at home in Sharjah which offers an endless array of options in leisure, shopping and wholesome family fun throughout the year. “Sharjah offers a perfect family destination for the GCC tourists with common traditions, culture and lifestyle in a modern setting and with world-class amenities,” he emphasised.
Underscoring the importance of the burgeoning Gulf tourism market, the SCTDA Chairman said that exhibitions like the Riyadh Travel Fair contribute immensely to sharing experiences and exchange of ideas among the leading players and regional tourism destinations. He said that close cooperation and coordination between the public and private sector could help in setting common goals and strategies to promote tourism and the economy in the region.
The SCTDA will be leading the emirate’s delegation to the Riyadh travel fair that includes among others FM Holidays, Hilton Hotel and Sharjah National Hotels. The Riyadh exhibition has emerged as one of the leading events of the Middle East’s fast growing travel and tourism industry and hospitality sector.
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