To assure tourists that Sharjah’s travel and tourism establishments are looking after their health and safety, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has launched the ‘Sharjah Safe for Tourism’ stamp, a mark of assurance given to all establishments in Sharjah which fully adhere to the public health protocols and guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. The stamp follows the measures set out by the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, the world’s first global safety and hygiene stamp for travel and tourism.

SCTDA, in collaboration with Sharjah Health Authority (SHA), has commenced inspecting various establishments in the emirate to ensure compliance with the required health and safety measures. This latest move is in line with Sharjah’s gradual easing of restrictions to reopen public and private facilities in the tourism sector such as hotels, restaurants, shops, malls, leisure and recreation destinations, including beaches, swimming pools, and golf courses, among others, enabling services to be provided while reassuring visitors of their safety during their visit.

Residents and tourists visiting the emirate can look for the ‘Safety Assured’ stamp displayed in the establishment prior to making a booking or upon entry. The stamp is a visual symbol which gives instant recognition of the establishment’s compliance to the precautionary measures being implemented by the government, reassuring consumers of the safety of the location.

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said: “Sharjah has always maintained the emirate as a safe destination for tourists and we continue to keep these standards high especially amidst global efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19. Our main priority is the health and safety of residents and visitors alike, which led to the development of the ‘Safety Assured’ stamp, employing the protocols set by the World Travel and Tourism Council under their ‘Safe Travels’ stamp program to assure tourists of a secure and relaxing experience at every stage of their journey and stay in Sharjah.”

He added: “We have outlined the precautionary measures for all hotels to ensure their guests can enjoy the establishment’s facilities with full confidence. SCTDA continuously monitors premises to ensure compliance with precautionary measures to make sure they are fully prepared to receive guests with the highest standards of hygiene and safety.”

H.E. Abdulla Ali Al Mahyan, Chairman of the Sharjah Health Authority (SHA), said, “Sharjah has always remained keen on applying the latest in international standards and best practices, particularly in the field of health and safety to ensure that the emirate’s citizens, residents and visitors are well protected. In line with this, the Sharjah Health Authority is working in close partnership with the SCTDA to implement the required preventive measures ensuring public health and health security. We are confident that the ‘Sharjah Safe for Tourism’ stamp will serve as an incentive and visible symbol of reassurance. We call on all establishments and individuals in the emirate to adhere to the comprehensive preventive and precautionary measures to help prevent and eliminate this pandemic.”

SCTDA will exclusively grant the stamp to organizations which comply with the international health protocols as well as local guidelines. The establishment may display the stamp on their websites, marketing collaterals and other platforms that are visible to the public. There are several guidelines being implemented, including the use of thermal scanners and cameras at entrances and restaurants enforcing two-meter social distancing between tables.

Sharjah has received the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp from WTTC, which is testament to the city’s efforts to implement safety protocols in line with international standards. The ‘Safe Travels’ stamp is a self-assessment guideline and is not a certification. It is a mark of confirmation that the countries, destination authorities and companies that have achieved the stamp, have implemented, and will ensure ongoing compliance with the ‘Safe Travels’ protocols.