DRNew Delhi: Highlighting the emirate as an ideal family-friendly destination, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) showcased its best tourist spots, popular leisure activities and unique culture and traditions in the 25th edition of South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) held at the Pragati Maidan Center from January 31 to February 2.
The leading travel trade show in South Asia lured in over 12,000 visitors, a historic 40 per cent rise in footfall. “India is undisputedly one of the largest markets for the tourism and travel industry across the globe. In fact, as many as 138,000 Indian guests stayed in hotels in Sharjah during 2017,” said H E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA.
SCTDA has put the emirate on the international tourism and business map in line with the government’s economic development plans. “The authority is keen to organise roadshows in major Indian cities and conduct workshops and meetings with tourism agencies to bolster relations with the domestic market. This will further result in drawing up bilateral agreements on tourism,” the Chairman said.
SATTE, over the last two decades, has become the launch pad for many countries to conduct business in India. Working closely with the Tourism Ministry, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), and other leading organisations, SATTE has earned global acclaim in international business circles. Marking the silver jubilee celebrations, this year’s event launched a campaign titled ‘I am 25’.
SCTDA has expressed confidence that it would be able to broaden its horizon to international visitors and embrace new partnerships. SCTDA was also a leading delegation of important tourism and travel partners, including Sheraton Hotel, Ramada Hotel, Air Arabia, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Al Bait Hotel, Centro Sharjah and Golden Tulip.
Sharjah has earned the unique distinction of being one of the UAE’s most prominent cultural hubs. The emirate has also been named ‘The Culture Capital of the Arab World’ (UNESCO), ‘Islamic Culture Capital 2014’, ‘The Capital of Arab Tourism’, and ‘Capital of the Arab Press’.
