Sharjah targets Eastern Europe

Sharjah's growing hospitality market is set to receive a boost from the emirate's tourism authority busy global schedule for 2010.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA) calendar this year consists of at least 23 international exhibitions and roadshows, including a series of roadshows in the emerging markets of Eastern Europe and the CIS.

SCTDA director general Mohammed Al Noman said: “We have enjoyed tremendous success through participation in various exhibitions and travel markets around the world in the past, and we anticipate that our activities in 2010 will add to the rush of new tourists to our shores once again.

“We have a particularly busy year ahead of us in terms of our promotion plans, which include several of the world's biggest tourism exhibitions, which is always very exciting.

The SCTDA’s packed itinerary features three of the world’s leading travel exhibitions — ITB Berlin in March, May's Arabian Travel Market and London's World Travel Market, scheduled to take place in November.

The SCTDA will also have a presence at GIBTM Abu Dhabi, the Leisure Exhibition in Moscow and EIBTM in Barcelona, with more roadshows planned for GCC countries.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that 2010 is going to be a big year for us and we are ready and dedicated to meeting its various challenges head on,” added Al Noman.