SHARJAH/BERLIN: The Sharjah pavilion at the ITB (International Tourism Bourse) in Berlin, which opened on Wednesday, saw a heavy turnout of dignitaries, European media and international exhibitors and delegates including the UAE’s Ambassador to Germany Jumaa Mubarak Al Junaibi and Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit.

Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority welcomed the dignitaries at the Sharjah stand. 

Al Noman briefed the visiting dignitaries on the special nature of Sharjah’s participation in the ITB Berlin this year and the positive response the emirate has received from various delegates, exhibitors and high-fliers of the global tourism industry and international media. This only adds to our responsibility to excel and make every effort to further improve our performance and achieve greater success, he said.

Al Noman emphasised the importance of collective and unified efforts by all members of the Sharjah delegation — both public and private sector players — for the success of the participation and showcasing the emirate in the premiere international exhibition as a distinct tourist destination with its rich culture, heritage, tourist attractions, world-class tourist infrastructure and friendly environment that makes it a complete and rewarding tourism experience. 

Meanwhile on the opening day, the attractive Sharjah pavilion celebrating both tradition and modernity saw immense response by the exhibitors and visitors.  The 403-square metre pavilion empitomises Sharjah offering a peek into its history, Emirati traditions and Arab-Islamic civilisation. 

The Sharjah delegation is led by the SCTDA Chairman and includes heads and representatives of various Sharjah entities including Sharjah Airport Authority, Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), Air Arabia, Sharjah Healthcare City, Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) Sharjah Museums Department, Sharjah National Hotels, Radisson Blu, Orient Tours, FM Holidays and Arabian Link Tours. 

LE MERIDIEN

Le Meridien Dubai is participating in the world’s leading travel and trade show ‘ITB Berlin 2013’, which is being held till March 10, 2013. The hotel will also offer customised leisure packages to travel agents and tour operators present at the trade fair.

“We have been actively involved in ITB Berlin for years through Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce.  We are using this opportunity to showcase the opulence of Dubai as a premium holiday destination. Around nine million foreign tourists visited the UAE in 2012. UAE tourism sector’s expected annual growth is around 6.5 per cent y-o-y during this decade,” said Vikas Choudhery, Director of Sales & Marketing, Le Meridien Dubai.