Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, SCTDA, has announced that it will host the Sharjah International Conference for Family Tourism, the first event of its kind in the region, in the last quarter of this year, as part of SCTDA's efforts to activate Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 to promote the emirate as a leading destination for family tourism.

The announcement was made during SCTDA's participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2015, which is being held in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre until 7th May.

The Sharjah International Conference for Family Tourism will highlight new trends and prospects of the increasing demand in this important sector, and best ways to develop the family attractions such as facilities, events and services to meet the needs of all family members. It will offer a platform to share insights, experiences and best practices on increasing the share of family tourism in the tourism market globally, hosting leading experts, professionals and specialists in the travel and tourism sector from around the world.

Commenting on this initiative, Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of SCTDA, said, "The strategic vision of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority includes ambitious objectives to enhance the tourism sector of the emirate through an action plan that promotes its tourism future. Sharjah International Conference for Family Tourism will activate one of the most important pillars of the new vision, which is to strengthen the status of the emirate as the Ideal Family Tourism Destination."

He said that with the launch of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, the emirate aims to attract 10 million visitors by 2021. "This announcement of organising an international conference on family tourism, comes in accordance with the directions of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, to put the emirate on the global tourism map as one of the most important tourist destinations in the region," Al Noman said.

"The Emirate of Sharjah, under the leadership of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasises family tourism as one of its top priorities. Development plans are focused on enhancing facilities and services to families in all aspects of life such as housing, education, entertainment and health, making the emirate an oasis of security and community peace," he added.

Al Noman praised the efforts of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs in Sharjah, headed by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, wife of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and said that the programmes and activities of the Council have helped raise awareness and enrich the family values among the people of the emirate's society.
Source: WAM