Tourism Breaking News
It was an evening of celebration at the Westin Mina Seyahi Hotel and Marina when the third edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded last night with over 60 awards of recognition for stalwarts in the industry of travel, tourism, hospitality, visa services etc. Mr. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), graced the occasion as Chief Guest, with Gladrags Mrs. India Anita Mishra as a special Guest of Honour.
In the opening speech, Managing Director and Convener for Arabian Travel Awards, SanJeet, stated that this year there were nearly 200,000 entries submitted which were then shortlisted. He continued, “I would just like to thank all your efforts, it is thanks to you that tourism is responsible for 10 per cent of the world’s GDP, responsible for one in five jobs in the future and within the region, again thanks to your efforts, tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors responsible for nearly 25 per cent of jobs. The MENA region welcomed 87 million international tourists last year which marked a 10 per cent growth from 2017. Congratulations to all of you for being part of such a growing, innovative and successful industry. The Arabian Travel Awards have been convened to recognise this excellence, hard-work and success. Today tourism is synonymous with progress, development and opportunity.”
Mr. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer stated the many efforts taken by Shurooq with an investment of AED 130 mn towards developing the emirate into a luxurious eco-tourism destination. He further reiterated the many projects in line to ensure that the rich heritage, culture and archaeological tourism is further enhanced in the emirate.
