Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced its participation in the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin. This year will see Sharjahs greatest participation, headed by Khalid Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA with an involvement of 22 federal government and economic sector organisations under the umbrella of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The event remains in its 50th year and provides an ideal platform to exchange experiences, talk about business chances and check out the capacity of brand-new tourist products and destinations all over the world.

Sharjah is participating in ITB Berlin for the 19th successive year and this year is going to versus a strong background of favorable growth in the German market having actually seen a 64 % boost in German visitors throughout 2015. For 2016, SCTDA is hosting an elaborate pavilion spread throughout 462 square meters, showcasing the emirate's authentic Arab tourism offerings to show its distinct identity represented through its variety of celebrations and occasions.

His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said the participation of Sharjah in ITB Berlin this year is extremely significanct thinking about that the leading international exhibition is commemorating its 50th anniversary. He went on to stress the importance of the German market, describing last years figures that saw the Germans adding to a quarter of the overall visitor numbers for 2015 and revealing an strong increase on the 2014 guest figures.

HE Al Midfa stated: "ITB Berlin has consolidated its position as one of the most vital tourist occasions in Europe along with the worldwide market. Sharjah's participation in this unique occasion will involve top-level meetings with senior decision makers in the German and European tourism sector in addition to a variety of activities that clarifies the status of the emirate as a leading family tourism location and a beacon of culture.".

SCTDA will highlight many activities during the five days of the travel fair including brand-new tourist destinations in particular Al Noor Island and Mlehia in addition to initiatives such as the mobile app and touchscreen. The participants will look forward to highlighting "knowledge without borders" and the proposed golf champion among other initiatives. Once again there are local activities for visitors to the stand to delight in, consisting of a devoted cultural area offering performances by the Ayala band, Henna designs, standard dress photo opportunities, and calligraphy sessions. Visitors to the structure will likewise get the opportunity to taste a variety of dates and traditional dishes and regional sweets.

HE Al Midfa stated SCTDA is seeking to draw in more travelers to Sharjah through its involvement in ITB Berlin, and display the most recent projects and infrastructure advancements in the emirate's tourism sector.

The Sharjah delegation to ITB Berlin, led by SCTDA includes: Shurooq, Sharjah Healthcare City, Sharjah Museums, Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Institute of Heritage, EPAA, Knowledge without Borders, Al Shaab Village, Copthorne Hotel, Coral Beach, Sheraton, Ramada Hotel, Golden Tulip, Sharjah National Hotels, Lou Loua Beach Resort, Radisson Blu, SATA, Cozmo Travel, Travtalk Middle East, Sharjah TELEVISION and Al Khaleej.

At the start of the year, Sharjah was picked as one of the 50 cities worldwide to receive an ambassador from ITB Berlin as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the International Tourism Bourse. Throughout their visit to Sharjah, ITB ambassador Julian Daum and Teresa Baumgarten, a representative from ITB Berlin, witnessed the Sharjah Water Festival and the UIM F1H2O World Championship 2015 Grand Prix of Sharjah. They also visited the emirate's prime heritage locations, consisting of the Heart of Sharjah.

More than 185 countries from around the world are taking part in ITB Berlin this year. The exhibit is combining 10,000 exhibitors in an area of 160,000 square metres, and is set to attract 23,000 trade visitors and 50,000 regular visitors. Its estimated turnover is 6.7 billion euros.