Coral Beach Resort will PARTICIPATE IN ITB Berlin Travel Show
Almasalla Arab Travel Portal News – The Coral Beach Resort Sharjah will join the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority on the emirate’s stand at ITB Berlin next month as part of a concerted marketing push for European and CIS markets.
The travel trade exhibition is a priority on the calendar of every tour operator and travel agent in Northern Europe, said Jean-Pierre Simon, Regional General Manager, Northern Emirates, Coral Hotels & Resorts: “In addition to renewing contacts and contracts, ITB Berlin provides an ideal opportunity to tell the trade about new developments in Sharjah, which is the Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 as well as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.”
Inbound tourism in to Sharjah continued double-digit growth through 2013, with nearly 1.4 million arrivals in the first nine months, of which European visitors made up one-third of the total – compared to 37 per cent for the countries of the GCC.
“The healthy mix of visitors reflects the range of attractions in Sharjah, which are set to increase with the Heart of Sharjah redevelopment featuring restaurants, galleries, souks, museums and archaeological sites; the new Al Majaz Island with its 4,500-seat amphitheatre, galleries, shops and restaurants, and other projects such as the Sir Bu Nuair island resort and museum and the Khor Kalba eco-tourism scheme,”said Mr Simon.
“While we know our European guests are looking for sunshine, the added elements of an authentic heritage on show in our 22 museums, at the creek and in the souks is becoming increasingly important as tourists seek experiences as well as a healthy glow.”
The SCTDA is launching a new marketing strategy this year targeting niche sectors including cultural tourism, halal tourism and education tourism, as well as its traditional family tourism, and will boost online activities as well as targeting the travel trade and media to boost awareness of the emirate and its unique selling points.