Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will showcase Sharjah’s diverse tourism offerings to a crucial segment of the global travel market as it participates for the fifth year in the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair, one of the most specialised tourism industry exhibitions in the world, which will be held in the Spanish capital, Madrid, from January 20 to 24, 2016.

Led by SCTDA, the Sharjah delegation at FITUR comprises Cozmo Travel, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Ramada Hotel Sharjah and Golden Tulip. The delegation will identify new tour operators and explore opportunities to establish new direct flight connections to Sharjah. The innovative Sharjah stand at FITUR, spread across 70 sq mts, will highlight the emirate’s unique cultural identity.

SCTDA has been participating in international forums and exhibitions on an annual basis as part of its efforts to strengthen the position of Sharjah in the international tourism market. As a global meeting point for tourism professionals and the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound Ibero American markets, FITUR provides an ideal platform to exchange experience and discuss opportunities for collaboration with experts, investors and key players in the field of tourism. It also offers an opportunity to learn the best practices and the latest developments in the international tourism industry.

During its participation in FITUR over the past four years, SCTDA has been successful in introducing Sharjah as an authentic cultural family tourism destination to visitors from Spain and the Iberian Peninsula as well as those from South America.

Central and South America form crucial markets for Sharjah’s tourism sector, especially since these regions have direct flight connectivity to the UAE. Recent research has shown that a large number of tourists from South American markets make a stopover in the UAE, especially in Sharjah, on their way to Middle East tourist locations. With its wide tourism portfolio, ranging from cultural tourism to retail and medical tourism, Sharjah remains a major attraction for these tourists.

Considering that cultural tourism is the main attraction for visitors from these markets, SCTDA aims to attract more visitors to Sharjah and raise more awareness about the emirate as one of their favourite travel destinations.

SCTDA will make use of the Madrid fair to promote its various events, including Sharjah Light Festival, which will be held from February 4 to 13, 2016. The Authority will provide visitors with information and brochures on the tourism sector in Sharjah, and organise a number of activities for visitors.

FITUR is set to attract nearly 9,500 exhibitors and over 220,000 trade participants and potential travellers from 165 countries, offering SCTDA a major platform to promote Sharjah’s tourism products in the Spanish and European markets.