Tag Archives: SCTDA

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced that it will organize the Sharjah Hospitality Forum (SHF) on November 16, 2020, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council. Discussions at the event are expected to showcase the latest developments in Sharjah’s tourism sector amid current challenges as well as explore ways to accelerate the sector’s recovery and achieve growth. For the first time ever, the 7th edition of SHF will be held through virtual channels and video conferencing technologies, in line with the precautionary measures adopted to ensure public safety. H.E. Al Qasimi commented, “This edition is of particular importance because of the current global situation as the event provides us with the opportunity to discuss topics of interest to all stakeholders, employees and investors in the sector, exchanging information as well as proposing solutions from high-profile experts, decision-makers and pioneers in the tourism and hospitality markets from the local and international arena.” Al Midfa concluded, “SCTDA has been constantly working to enhance the safety and security of the tourism experience and hospitality services in the emirate and facilitate the arrival of tourists and guests while adhering to established preventive measures. In pursuit of this aim, the authority has launched a number of initiatives and partnerships such as the ‘Sharjah Safe for Tourism Stamp’, which helps ensure compliance of best health practices in the tourism sector. We also promote the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, a label which indicates that tourism facilities meet the international health, hygiene and safety standards within the industry.”

At the Gulf Travel Show to be held on November 23-24, we continue to connect with people to ensure that they get even closer to new clients with access to technology. At physical events you are limited with time to meet your potential buyers but at a virtual event you can tailor make your plans and meet the important clients that you would select as each exhibitor and buyer are given their own personal contact that would walk you through every step of the way. The virtual event industry will revolutionise networking habits as they will bring you something you can enjoy a whole lot more than others. Two days of networking with the best in the Gulf would ensure potential business for you. Tourism boards that are proactive understand the need of the hour and onboard are some of the most successful tourism boards that can share their experiences and their proactive methodologies that would set an example to other tourism boards across the globe. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Ras al khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA), German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Korea National Tourist Office, Tourism Malaysia Dubai are some of the key tourism boards that can share their insights on their outlook and proactive measures that has worked out really well for the industry and continue to do so as they understand the potential for travel. For the first time in many years, travellers are able to access a lot of information in the comfort of their own home. In today’s world where VR technology is utilised for you to be transported to any destination in the world or even out of space, the Gulf …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) partners as the Gold sponsor for the first edition of the show to be held on November 23-24, 2020. HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority stated, “The Gulf Travel Show redefines the way we promote travel and tourism, providing a platform to showcase how we are building on what we achieved during the COVID19 planning for a stronger future and post COVID-19. Sharjah is inviting all the visitors to witness our natural attractions set against the latest tourism and hospitality projects, especially in Khorfakkan and with the new road linking the eastern coast town to reach Kalba from Sharjah.” Gulf Travel Show (GTS) with its proprietary software will help you recover, rebuild and innovate relationships and products. This is a virtual event that will introduce you to buyers, help grow your brand and build long-term profitable business connections. At a time when costs are curtailed yet finding the right partner in a specialised event will be the way forward to further promote the travel and tourism business. At TravTalk we have been working more closely with the industry during the pandemic keeping the positive vibes by conducting various trade shows, webinars and online newsletters on a regular basis. Partnering as media in this roadshow will be another addition to keep the industry positive.

HE Khalid Jassim Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) in his statement he stated that “Agility of response, how dynamic are we, in the tourism sector whether it is government or private sector or academic partner or how quick are we in responding is really what matters and what will make a difference. We see different countries around the world are taking different directions depending on their situations and how they prepare, each country is different. Diversification is another key factor and element in facing such challenges now talking about United Arab Emirates I think it was proven that the preparedness here was at a very high level and the government has given a lot of benefits and support to the tourism sector across the UAE at different levels. We depend 10-12 % GDP on tourism at the same time diversified as tourism sector we are able to survive. We took a lot of measures to make sure that we were able to survive during these challenging times. We need some positive measures instead of talking about challenges, they will be there all the time.” He further reiterated that infrastructure play a key role and can see the rural areas been developed especially the central region and east coast in Sharjah like Kalba and Khorfakkan. Earlier it used to take about 2 hours to drive to the destinations but now we can do so in about an hour to Khorfakkan. He further reiterated that rural areas have SMEs that will develop and this guarantees more due to the infrastructure that has played a key role.”

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, addressing a special meeting chaired by the UAE Ministry of Economy explained that the visit served as an important platform in the efforts to explore further joint cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, especially in the move to promote tourism during a post-COVID-19 phase. H.E. expressed the Authority’s continuing commitment to be a key partner of the Ministry of Economy and its move to support the country’s tourism segment. We highly appreciate the efforts made by the government to limit the impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector and their provision of the means to further accelerate the pace of recovery to help push the path of tourism development.” “We renew our commitment to support the proactive endeavours led by the Ministry of Economy to implement initiatives related to the tourism segment, which are part of the 33 initiatives planned to support the economic sectors, especially those concerned with promoting tourism to achieve future directions in building a diversified, competitive and sustainable economy. We look forward to uniting our energies in support of domestic tourism, which is seen as the main pillar in the return of tourism activity post COVID-19. In line with further consolidating its domestic tourism’s role as a key contributor to the local economy in Sharjah, we have launched a package of specific initiatives that are aimed at consolidating the leadership of the emirate in the list of safe tourist destinations in the world, by focusing on following the best practices that guarantee the health and safety of visitors,” concluded Al Midfa.

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. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said, “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.” Al Midfa 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 …

Sharjah Government has announced the resumption of the second phase of its recovery efforts, activating different sectors and activities by 50 per cent in the emirate. SCTDA is working towards the gradual return of activities within the emirate’s tourism and hospitality sector. The return, which follows the recent re-opening of beaches within hotels, spas and restaurants, will be implemented in stages and will not contradict with public safety measures already in place such as sterilisation operations and precautionary standards. The SCTDA has shared that the current phase of recovery is focused on domestic tourism and how to attract UAE citizens and residents as the summer season commences. The move is expected to play a key role in bringing the local tourism sector back to life. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said, “This decision is aimed particularly at bringing life anew to the local tourism and hospitality segments, vital sectors that help support the national economy. Rest assured that we will continue to work in close cooperation with our partners in the public and private sector to overcome this pandemic and help bring things back to normal.” Al Midfa further explained that the release of the new guidelines for hotel establishments in the emirate demonstrates the SCTDA’s commitment to lay the solid foundations needed in the resumption of tourist movement and hotel activity–falling in line with the global best practices on health, safety and security. He also pointed out the significant role played by the new guide in ensuring the stability of the hotel industry while also maintaining the health and well-being of employees and guests. “The SCTDA will be designating special teams to conduct regular inspections and field …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) implemented an emirate-wide awareness campaign designed to support local hotel establishments in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The move falls in line with the nation’s continuing efforts to raise the level of precautionary and preventive measures against COVID-19, in response to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). The SCTDA also confirmed that a series of inspections will be conducted across hotel establishments in the emirate to ensure compliance and adherence to set standards and methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The inspections will ensure that hygiene measures, disinfection and sterilisation are all completed in a correct manner. Hotels are also being advised on documentation of their sterilisation measures. H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “We are dedicated to making the most pertinent decisions that ensure continuity and minimum disruption, while also minimising the risk of disease transmission in the UAE. The UAE remains in the lead when it comes to  harnessing its energies and capabilities to face this global crisis with full efficiency, in line with the sense of responsibility rooted in the vision of our wise leadership, which calls on strengthening international and humanitarian solidarity to maintain security and stability.” The SCTDA’s Tourism Standards Department is in charge of following up on the disinfection and sterilisation process in hotel establishments in Sharjah, thus ensuring that the precautionary measures are carefully observed and the level of health awareness is raised in order to preserve the safety of all. The Authority has also started to circulate awareness brochures online to all hotel establishments and the authority’s employees. These brochures include key information on how to avoid spreading the virus, …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) revealed that the emirate recorded a three per cent growth in the number of hotel guests in 2019 as compared to 2018. The sector welcomed approximately 1.8 million guests last year with a hotel occupancy rate of 66 per cent. In terms of nationalities, guests from the Russian Federation topped the list, followed by GCC countries such as KSA and Oman, and then India. H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said, “The emirate witnessed robust inflows of tourists throughout last year, thanks to the emirate’s major achievements in terms of the launch of new recreation facilities, tourism initiatives and related activities. Sharjah’s higher hotel occupancy rates can be attributed to the success of the initiatives and projects implemented in line with the vision of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to further enhance the emirate’s position on the global tourism landscape.” Al Midfa noted that by the end of 2019, the emirate had more than 10,000 hotel rooms, comprising 1,331 rooms in nine 5-star hotels; 2,733 rooms in 21 4-star hotels; as well as thirty one in one to three-star hotels; and 2,485 apartments in 40 hotel apartment facilities. Furthermore, six new 5-star and 4-star hotels were inaugurated last year, and more than seven new hotel projects are expected to be unveiled in 2020. This reflects Sharjah’s growth as a must-visit destination for families, business travellers and those seeking exciting tourism and recreation activities, and highlights investor confidence in Sharjah’s flourishing tourism sector.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the 10th edition of Sharjah Light Festival concluded its series of impressive light and interactive shows, which illuminated the city’s landmarks with a combination of music and special effects to celebrate the heritage, culture and architectural wonders of Sharjah. The festival attracted a strong turnout of 1.3 million visitors for 11 consecutive nights across 19 locations. The closing ceremony was organised by SCTDA at Al Majaz Waterfront. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, extended his sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his patronage and support of the festival and to H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of the Executive Council of Sharjah, for his continued support in promoting Sharjah’s profile on the global tourism stage.  “For the last 11 days, Sharjah Light Festival 2020 lit up 19 distinct locations across the emirate, and this year’s edition highlighted the spirit of innovation and knowledge transfer by  encouraging student initiatives, and the implementation of several interactive shows using ground-breaking technologies, such as augmented reality, 3D video mapping and numerous light and sound effects. It was also remarkable in terms of national enterprise participation, this year’s six new locations and the execution of enthralling firework and folklore performances. Most importantly, this year’s edition of the festival attracted 1,3 million visitors, recording an 8.3 per cent growth in the number of visitors compared to last year, with a wide coverage of local and …