Al Midfa: Campaign part of strategy to promote professional excellence int ourism sector.
SHARJAH – The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority continues to develop the skills and professional excellence of tourism industry professionals, arming them with the latest information about new projects and landmarks of the emirate by way of a new orientation program titled, ‘Explore Your Destination.’
Forty employees representing a number of major hotels in the emirate took part in the two-day course that included presentations by industry experts and visits and field trips to Sharjah’s numerous museums, art and cultural centres and tourist attractions. Speaking on the occasion, SCTDA Director General HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa underlined the Authority’s keenness to develop such initiatives as part of its efforts for professional growth and excellence in the tourism sector. He said that the importance and role of tourism industry employees in promoting the destination and its tourism product is growing by the day as they are in direct contact with tourists and can enrich the visitors’ knowledge and understanding of the emirate and its main tourist attractions and cultural and entertainment landmarks.
Al Midfa said that the recent statistics unveiled by the Authority prove the eminent position Sharjah has come to earn itself on the regional and international tourism map. It has become one of the most sought after destinations in the region because of its unique tourism profile, its cultural attractions and the modern hospitality and services it provides.
The SCTDA Director General said that the Authority is sparing no effort to develop the skills and aptitudes of tourism industry professionals and organise more orientation tours and workshops that help promote the emirate and develop the tourism sector in all areas.
The program began with a tour of Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization followed by a walking tour of the Heart of Sharjah and Heritage Area, including Souk Al Arsa, Heritage Museum, Calligraphy Museum, Majlis Al Midfa and Al Eslah School, all known for their rich history.
Next on the itinerary were the legendary Central Souk, a prominent tourist destination, Al Noor Mosque, the architectural marvel, and Al Majaz Waterfront, the latest tourist attraction. The participants visited a number of museums, including Al Mahatta Aircraft Museum chronicling the history of aviation in the emirate including its first airport in 1932, and Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum. The day concluded with a visit to Al Qasba, the commercial, cultural and recreational district.
The day two began with a visit to Sharjah Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of history, and Sharjah Science Museum. It was followed by a bus tour of the emirate’s numerous tourist attractions and cultural centres such as the Cultural Palace Roundabout, Sharjah Radio and Television Station, Sharjah University City and Dr Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies, a treasure trove of history and heritage of life in the Arabian Gulf. The centre contains rare exhibits and books that come directly from His Highness the Sharjah Ruler’s private collection.
Also on the itinerary were Sharjah Discovery Centre, Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah Wildlife Centre and Natural History and Botanical Museum, Sharjah Equestrian Club and the Classic Car Museum.
The Authority has organised a series of special training and orientation programs and tours in recent years for 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 May this year, the SCTDA hosted another successful orientation program for 30 industry professionals bringing them up to date with developments in the emirate.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
