Sharjah, one of the seven emirates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is preparing for a significant presence at the 43rd edition of the World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The event, which takes place from November 6-8, brings together representatives from around the world to showcase their achievements and unique experiences in the travel and tourism industry.

Sharjah will be represented by a coalition of 18 government and private entities, working in collaboration with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The focus will be on highlighting the emirate’s accomplishments in aligning tourism sector growth with the preservation of environmental, heritage, and cultural values. This is an essential component of Sharjah’s sustainable tourism diversification strategy.

During the event, Sharjah will showcase a diverse range of exceptional experiences and destinations, including environmental, desert, heritage, cultural, recreational, adventure, and sports tourism. The emirate is known for its unique environmental diversity, which includes landmarks such as the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, Mleiha Archaeological and Ecotourism Project, Buhais Geology Park, Sharjah Safari, and natural reserves like the Wasit Wetland Centre and Al Qurm Nature Reserve.

Sharjah has seen steady growth in its tourism sector. In 2022, the emirate welcomed over 1.4 million guests, and this year has already seen a substantial increase in guest numbers. Between January and September 2023, Sharjah received more than 1.1 million guests, marking an impressive 18% increase over the same period in 2022.

Several prominent institutions and entities are participating in collaboration with the SCTDA at the World Travel Market. These include Sharjah International Airport Authority, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Institute of Heritage, Sharjah Asset Management, Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, Expo Centre Sharjah, Sharjah Sports Council, and Sharjah Old Cars Club. The private sector is also well-represented, with entities such as Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Sharjah National Hotels, The Chedi Al Bait Hotel, Sharjah, Coral Beach Resort, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Golden Sands Hotel, Holidays Tours, and TravTalk.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, has emphasized Sharjah’s leading position in implementing sustainable tourism strategies, solidifying its status as an industry trailblazer. Al Midfa highlighted the intrinsic connection between the tourism sector and international relations, stating that it serves as a vital bridge to global audiences and fosters stronger ties and partnerships with influential organizations shaping worldwide travel and tourism trends.

He further emphasized the collaborative efforts between government and private sector entities to position Sharjah as an exceptionally appealing and diverse tourist destination. Sharjah offers an array of integrated tourism options and experiences on both regional and global scales. Al Midfa noted that the tourism sector is evolving rapidly, with a growing emphasis on authentic environmental, heritage, and cultural tourism. Sharjah has consistently remained at the forefront of adopting these tourism strategies, driven by its commitment to sustainable development standards supported by all sectors, with tourism leading the way.

The World Travel Market is considered the epicenter of the global travel and tourism industry, attracting operators from around the world. It provides a platform for exhibitors to showcase their achievements, innovations, and visions of global travel. The event also offers networking opportunities to build relationships and partnerships with peers worldwide. This year’s edition features the participation of 5,000 exhibitors, presenting their accomplishments to an estimated 51,000 visitors from various countries worldwide.

Sharjah’s presence at the WTM is a testament to its commitment to sustainable tourism and its ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading global tourist destination. With its unique environmental diversity and diverse range of tourism offerings, Sharjah continues to attract visitors from around the world.