Sharjah marks World Tourism Day with focus on cruise tourism

The Emirate of Sharjah turned the spotlight on its east coast by hosting the World Tourism Day celebrations in the port city of Khorfakkan last Wednesday (24th September).

Held in the lead up to World Tourism Day on Saturday 27th September, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority marked the event, and its theme of ‘Tourism and Community Development,’ in Khorfakkan in view of the massive tourism and development growth being witnessed in the region and the growth potential of Sharjah’s east coast.

Welcoming guests to a World Tourism Day event, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Director General Khalid Jasim Al Midfa stated “the United Arab Emirates is amongst the fastest growing tourism markets in the region and the world. “Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than here - on the picturesque East Coast of Sharjah.”

Khorfakkan has been a key stop for international luxury cruise-liners, since opening its doors to international cruise ships in the early 1980s.

Al Midfa added “the new cruise-line industry is bringing in nearly 50,000 extra tourists to our emirate alone.

“The cruise industry is a valuable addition to any country mainly due to the fact (that its) tourism footprint is low and the economic opportunity is high. Once this area has fully realised its enterprise opportunity, it is estimated that cruises could potentially generate another Dh 16 million for our economy.”

Elaborating on the World Tourism Day theme of Tourism and Community Development, Al Midfa said it holds the key to a more sustainable future for all, emphasising the transformative role of tourism and its social, political, cultural and economic relevance in the world today.

Al Midfa added “in accordance with our leadership’s vision and guidance, the focus of the Authority since its very inception has been on strong sustainable growth.

“This year we can stand tall with confidence as the high profile awards that we have received all underscore the success of the effort to date. All our policies, programmes and activities are inspired and driven by the same vision, spirit, and level of dedication and foresight.”

These efforts and initiatives have seen Sharjah recognised as the Capital of Islamic Culture by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation for 2014 and as the Capital of Arab Tourism in 2015 by Arab League member states.

Thanking the UAE’s key industry players including the DTCM (Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), Sharjah Ports Authority and dnata, for their participation, Al Midfa emphasised that World Tourism Day is always a good opportunity for cooperation and exchange of information that can benefit all those working in the tourism sector in the Emirate and the UAE.

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