Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced plans to hold the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF 2021) on November 24 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

With the overarching theme ‘Smart Tourism and Global Challenges’, the Forum will serve as a global platform that brings together entrepreneurs and experts in travel and tourism from Sharjah and around the world to share inspiring insights, ideas,and future scenarios for the sector in the emirate and the region.

SCTDA is looking to provide companies and decision makers in the travel and tourism industry with the opportunity to share their experiences, connect, build partnerships, and explore opportunities for collaboration. The Forum aims to deliver pragmatic solutions to the global challenges facing the sector, in an effort to promote tourism and support its sustainable growth.

Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum was launched as a rebranding of the Authority’s flagship annual Sharjah Hospitality Forum, which explores global developments in the industry that call for new and sustainable methods to ensure the tourism sector remains resilient.

“The tourism sector plays a critical role in economies around the world and is a key contributor to comprehensive and sustainable growth,” said His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority.“With guidance and support from His Highness SheikhDr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the tourism sector has made tremendous progress in the past decade.”

“This called for a dedicated platform to be launched in order for local and international experts and stakeholders to come together, engage in productive discussion, and ensure the continued progress of the tourism sector – and that is where the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2021 comes in,” H.E. added.

“The Forum is an instrument for us to highlight strategies and efficient solutions forthe sustainable growth of the travel and tourism sector, as well as to analyse international success stories and best practices in smart tourism,” H.E. Al Midfa explained. “The event will explore inspiring models presented by experts and stakeholders in the tourism sector both from Sharjah and around the world. We are confident that the forum will uncover constructive recommendations to shape the future tourism landscape in the emirate.”

SITTF 2021brings together government officials, decision makers, and experts in the global tourism sector and from various destinations. Delegates in the day-long event will join high-profile sessions with experts in economics, entrepreneurship and innovation, and the hotel industry,in addition to popular travel bloggers.

Several notable topics will be up for discussion, where panellists address the ‘Strategies behind Entrepreneurship Development and Growth’ and their role in stimulating the economy and driving sustainable growth. Sessions also focus on ways to promote entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance their impact on developing modern destinations, opening up new prospects for the tourism sector, and designing successful training programmes.

Furthermore, the Forum discusses the impact of smart tourism on the economy, reviewing real-life models from various countries. The sessions will also explore the essential leadership skills required to ensure continuous success, tackle various challenges, understand markets and trends, assess risks, and ensure proper decision-making. In addition, the Forum will explore the skills needed to drive the tourism sector to develop advanced innovation-led services that enhance customer experiences.

Also on the agenda is a session exploring ‘The Power and Influence of Bloggers on Destination Development’, which pinpoints the growing role that travel blogs play in marketing tourist destinations in recent years. These bloggers offer audiences stories based on personal first-hand experiences and provide travellers with an opportunity to explore any given destination before making reservations. Popular influencers will be joining experts at the Forum to discuss the pros and cons of this trend.