Tag Archives: SCTDA

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the resumption of desert tours and related activities in the emirate with strict implementation of the precautionary measures and guidelines issued for desert tours and Sharjah tour operators. This latest decision comes as part of the efforts to resume the tourism activities in the emirate and bring them to a normal pace by adopting the highest standards in prevention and safety practices, health protocols, and the implementation of government directives on national health and safety of tourists, visitors, employees, citizens, and residents of Sharjah. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA commented that the decision is a step forward in the process of the gradual return of all tourism activities in Sharjah in accordance with the larger plan and in close coordination with all relevant partners from the government and private sectors. Al Midfa highlighted that adherence to the precautionary measures is key as it provides a foundation to rebuild the momentum of activities in the tourism sector while at the same time ensuring the health of employees and tourists alike, and thereby establishing Sharjah’s position as a safe and preferred tourist destination. Al Midfa added, “We continue to work closely with all concerned entities to intensify our joint efforts to maintain public health and safety as we take new steps to launch and implement various major initiatives aimed at enabling the recovery of the tourism sector from the repercussions of the pandemic and revive growth. We are implementing a strict schedule of inspection of establishments and activities through regular field visits under the supervision of an integrated team of SCTDA inspectors to ensure the issued precautionary measures are being …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Youth Hostel Association and the Sharjah Archaeology Authority, with the aim of enhancing the guidelines, standards and mechanisms in managing youth hostels and improving the quality of services provided to the youth tourism sector while preserving the traditional houses of the emirate. The new initiative comes in line with Sharjah’s continuing efforts to strengthen its leading position on the global tourism map. The SCTDA has been tasked to take charge in the management, supervision and development of services of youth hostels located in the emirate, while the Sharjah Archaeology Authority oversees the maintenance and preservation of the facilities. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA stated, “This will ultimately benefit the local tourism sector and cement Sharjah’s position within the ranks of the most prestigious and distinguished tourist destinations in the world. We look forward to working closely with both entities, especially in the move to improve the quality of youth hostel services and the preservation of traditional houses. Our collaboration will help reinforce Sharjah’s reputation as a distinct destination that combines the past traditions with the present age in an urban setting. We are confident that this agreement, which will further enrich the tourism experience of Sharjah, will help strengthen our initial efforts to promote youth tourism. There is no doubt that improving youth hostels will have a positive impact on the tourism community, as they provide distinguished services that will help establish the emirate as an ideal destination for those looking to experience luxurious but cost-efficient holidays. The youth hostels offer multiple options to meet the different tastes and requirements …

Sharjah Hospitality Forum 2020 (SHF 2020) discussed the best and fastest recovery path for the emirate’s tourism sector with the participants proposing innovative solutions to support the stakeholders of the tourism, hospitality and travel industries and sustain their gradual return to growth and normalcy. HE Khald Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said, “We see major tourism opportunities, but we need to adopt new mechanisms and innovative methods not only to seize available opportunities but also to efficiently address emerging challenges and sustain the industry’s attractiveness and competitiveness. “The world continues to bounce back from the pandemic’s impact. We are fully ready to implement successful solutions and creative projects to ensure tourism’s steady and fast recovery, with emphasis on several factors such as air traffic, travel regulations and visa procedures, country entry and exit traffic, and applicable safety protocols, among others. For our part, we have adopted a strategy that relies on three themes. The first one revolves around service development and safe domestic tourism promotion to encourage citizens and residents to rediscover Sharjah and the UAE. We have also introduced the Safety Stamp to ensure the compliance of the tourism and hospitality industries with the highest health practices, as well as the Safe Travel certificate for international safety, health and hygiene in travel and tourism. We have put in place other safety and protective measures and standards to provide integrated tourism experiences in a healthy and safe environment. As for the second theme, it focuses on targeting new markets after air traffic returns to normal and when the global markets fully open. The third theme includes the adoption of effective measures under the ‘new normal’ …

The much awaited Gulf Travel Show just closed 40 exhibitors for its maiden virtual event on November 23-24, 2020. If you still haven’t registered as a buyer or as media, this is the last chance to register and walk away with amazing Amazon vouchers. Over the past many months we were able to sit back, re-think our plans going forward. The world has been brought closer together virtually connecting people from across the globe. At the Gulf Travel Show 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. 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.

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 …