SCTDA showcases Sharjah’s biz potential at India trade show

Sharjah / Emirates Business

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is leading a delegation of Sharjah-based tourism and hospitality organisations to the 23rd edition of the SATTE travel trade show, taking place in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, from February 15-17. This marks the Authority’s first participation in the SATTE
exhibition.
SATTE is South Asia’s largest travel trade show, attracting more 750 participants from over 35 countries and 28 Indian states, over 30 international and 25 domestic tourism boards, as well as 20,000 travel trade attendees. The exhibition is supported by India’s Ministry of Tourism, Incredible India, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
The eight co-participants from Sharjah include hotels, airlines, and tour operators – namely, Ramada Sharjah, Golden Tulip Sharjah, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Sharjah National Hotels, Air Arabia, SATA, Cozmo Travels, and Auras Tours.
His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “With over 750 participants from more than 35 countries attending, an exhibition as large as SATTE offers an unmissable opportunity to rub shoulders with key stakeholders from the Indian and South Asian travel market. We, at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, have always considered India to be a key source market for us, and will continue to do so – with over 62 million passport holders, India is undisputedly one of the largest key markets for the tourism and travel industry around the world.”
Sharjah’s flag carrier, Air Arabia, operates 112 flights a week (with a total of 18,144 seats per week) to 13 Indian cities – namely, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Goa, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Calicut, Cochin, Trivandrum, Chennai, and Coimbatore.
According to the Indian Ministry of Tourism and the World Bank, 18.33 million Indians travelled overseas in 2014, compared to around 16 million in 2013. The UNWTO predicts that Indian outbound travel has potential to grow to 50 million by 2020.
Sharjah’s variety of offerings, from sandy beaches and warm weather to family-friendly venues, in addition to its image as an authentic Arabian destination, have all guaranteed its attractiveness to travellers seeking to truly explore the region and immerse themselves in its traditions, identity, and culture. The emirate also offers plenty of attractions for nature lovers and environmental enthusiasts. Sharjah boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem; protected areas form 4.6% of the area of Sharjah and are divided into eight conservation centres – namely, Jazirat Sir Bo Naair, Alqurm Wa Lehhfaiiah, Wasit Nature Reserve, Ed Dhelaimah, Wadil Helo, Mleiha Protected Area, Elebriddi, and Lemdynah.