Sharjah Showcases Sustainable Tourism at World Travel Market 2023

Sharjah is gearing up for a significant presence at the 43rd edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) in London from November 6-8, where representatives worldwide will gather for this global event. 

The emirate will be represented by a coalition of 18 government and private entities in collaboration with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).

Sustainable Tourism Strategy:

Sharjah’s primary focus at the event will be to showcase its noteworthy accomplishments in aligning tourism sector growth with preserving environmental, heritage, and cultural values. 

This emphasis on sustainability is a fundamental component of the emirate’s tourism diversification strategy.

Diverse Tourism Offerings:

Throughout its participation, Sharjah will highlight various exceptional experiences and destinations, encompassing environmental, desert, heritage, cultural, recreational, adventure, and sports tourism. 

The emirate is celebrated for its unique environmental diversity, ranging from desert landscapes to picturesque islands.

Sharjah has been experiencing substantial growth in its tourism sector. In 2022, the emirate’s hotels welcomed over 1.4 million guests, and this year has seen a remarkable increase in guest numbers. 

Between January and September 2023, Sharjah received more than 1.1 million guests, marking an impressive 18% increase over the same period in 2022.

Public and Private Sector Collaboration:

Prominent institutions and entities collaborate with SCTDA in the World Travel Market. 

These include government bodies like the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, and more. 

Private sector entities are also actively involved in promoting Sharjah’s tourism offerings.

Sharjah’s Sustainable Tourism Leadership:

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, emphasized Sharjah’s leading position in implementing sustainable tourism strategies, positioning the emirate as an industry trailblazer. 

He highlighted the connection between the tourism sector and international relations, as it serves as a vital bridge to global audiences and fosters stronger ties and partnerships with influential organizations shaping worldwide travel and tourism trends.

Commitment to Sustainable Development:

Al Midfa underlined Sharjah’s commitment to sustainable development standards and the broad support it enjoys across all sectors, with tourism leading the way in adopting these strategies. 

Sharjah’s collaborative efforts between government and private sector entities aim to position the emirate as an exceptionally appealing and diverse tourist destination, offering a range of integrated tourism options and experiences on both regional and global scales.