Sharjah aims to attract 10 million visitors

This content was originally posted in 7DAYS UAE website at: Sharjah aims to attract 10 million visitors Cruise ship tourism in Sharjah has been given a boost after a plan to increase numbers was revealed at a regional conference. The emirate’s Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) unveiled a bright outlook for the sector at the two-day Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum in Doha, which ended on Tuesday. The event brought together cruise line executives, regional stakeholders and government authorities to discuss key issues impacting the development of the Arabian Gulf’s cruise industry. “Cruise tourists will make a crucial chunk of the visitors to the emirate in coming years as we aim to attract more than 10 million tourists as part of the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021,” said Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA. “Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum comes as a unique opportunity to raise awareness about Sharjah’s growing potential as a cruise destination, establish new ties and foster relationships with existing cruise line partners.” Al Midfa said Sharjah is preparing for a period during the 2015-16 season with as many as 37 boat arrivals. “These calls will bring an estimated 80,000 passengers to the emirate, mostly from European countries such as Italy, Spain, France, Germany and the UK,” Al Midfa said. “Cruise tourism has picked up in Sharjah in recent years as the emirate has enhanced its cruise tourism facilities. Sharjah has two deep sea ports – Khorfakkan and Khalid – and is the only emirate with direct access to both Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.” business@7days.ae Read the original story at: Sharjah aims to attract 10 million visitors