Forty-five hotel industry personnel explore the Emirate under ‘Sharjah My Destination’ oriantation program.
SHARJAH – Forty-five professionals representing leading hotels in Sharjah took part in the ‘Sharjah My Destination’ orientation programme, from September 16 to 17. The orientation programme included lectures and presentations by industry experts and field trips to tourist attractions, museums, art and cultural centres across the emirate.
Speaking on the occasion, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said that the Authority has been consistently trying to develop the skills and expertise of tourism industry professionals, arming them with the knowhow about the latest developments and trends of the industry as well as new projects coming up in the emirate through the 2-day orientation program titled, ‘Sharjah My Destination.’ Al Midfa referred to a number of initiatives taken by the Authority such as meetings with industry partners, orientation tours, workshops and field trips for their employees. “These are all aimed at encouraging professional growth and excellence in Sharjah’s tourism sector according to highest international standards,” he added.
The critical role the tourism industry professionals such as tourist guides play in promoting a destination and presenting it in positive light is increasingly being recognised around the world, emphasised Al Midfa.
He said: “They are in direct contact with tourists and can enrich the visitors’ knowledge and understanding of Sharjah. The added value of this programme is that the frontline staff can now talk about Sharjah knowledgably from a personal perspective. This is especially important as the Emirate continues to enjoy its title as the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015. There has been a significant increase in Sharjah’s international arrivals with the emirate attracting more than 1.9 million visitors last year.”
Al Midfa said that Sharjah has become one of the most sought after destinations in the region thanks to its distinct Arab and Islamic heritage, the Emirate is lucky to benefit from year-round tourism which is supported by family festivals and the world-class services it offers to visitors, he said.
The 2-day orientation program began with a tour of the beautiful Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization followed by a walking tour through the Heart of Sharjah which incorporates the Heritage and Arts Area, all known for their rich history.
Next on the itinerary were visits to the ever popular Central Souk, Al Noor Mosque, Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront, all popular tourist and leisure destinations as well as prominent Sharjah landmarks. Al Noor Mosque is one of a handful of mosques in the region that offers tours to non-Muslims as a method of encouraging further cultural understanding.
Al Montazah Park, which is Sharjah’s newest attraction, is the first water-themed amusement park in the Emirate, and, is spread over an area of over 126,000-square meters on Khalid Lagoon it is already a favourite family destination.
The programme was packed full to try and cover everything in Sharjah in such a short space of time and also included visits to other museums, including Al Mahatta Aircraft Museum, the Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museums.
The second day of the tour began with a bus trip to a host of popular landmarks, government buildings and scientific and cultural centres including the University City and Dr Sultan Al Qassimi Centre of Gulf Studies, a treasure trove of history and heritage of the Arabian Gulf. The Centre contains rare exhibits and books that come directly from the private collection of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.
Other attractions on the itinerary included the Cultural Palace roundabout, Sharjah Discovery Centre, Sharjah Equestrian Club, Sharjah Desert Park that includes Sharjah Wildlife Centre, Natural History and Botanical Museum, Sharjah Classic Car Museum, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah Archaeological Museum and Sharjah Science Museum.
The SCTDA has organized a series of special training and orientation programs, workshops and tours in recent years for the tourism and hotel industry partners in the Emirate under the themes of ‘Explore Your Destination’ and ‘Treasures of Sharjah, Oil and Natural Gas in Sharjah’ etc., in order to familiarise them with the Emirate and its economic, cultural and tourist diversity.
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