The Sharjah delegation led by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority attended a special dinner hosted by the UAE Ambassador to Germany HE Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi for members of the UAE delegation to the ITB Berlin exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, HE Juma Mubarak Al Junaibi, the UAE Ambassador to Germany, said that the fact that the ITB Berlin is now in its 49th year highlights the pride of place the exhibition enjoys around the world. The participation and presence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has grown year on year, he added.

The UAE Ambassador lauded the strong performance of the Emirate of Sharjah led by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority during the ITB Berlin, highlighting the emirate’s crowning as the Arab Tourism Capital Award for 2015. The keen interest shown by the visitors to the Sharjah stand, especially in its heritage and cultural offering, is a tribute to the rich heritage of the United Arab Emirates, said Al Junaibi.

For his part, HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority stressed the significance of Sharjah’s strong presence at the Berlin exhibition for the 18th consecutive year and the opportunity of showcasing the emirate’s tourism product, celebrated cultural heritage and new projects and developments from a global platform. He expressed the Authority’s keenness to achieve greater success this year when Sharjah is being celebrated as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2015.

Besides HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, SCTDA , the UAE embassy dinner was attended by HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority , and other senior members of the Sharjah delegation to ITB.

Al Noman said that special events and ceremonies like this helped in strengthening relations and cooperation between various government entities and departments in the country.
Al Noman lauded the strong UAE presence in the German market, which is due to the diversity of the tourism product offered by the seven emirates of the UAE presenting international tourists with a unique experience combining culture, heritage, leisure, tourism, and recreational opportunities besides world-class services and facilities.

The premier global exhibition brings together major tourist destinations and leaders and stakeholders of the travel and tourism industry from around the world.

Sharjah’s participation in the premier exhibition in the German capital follows the remarkable success of the past 18 years. The emirate’s tourism experience, heritage and opportunities are being showcased from an attractive pavilion spread over an area of 403 square meters. A blend of the tradition and modernity, the Sharjah stand shines the light on the Sharjah Arab Tourism Capital for 2015 celebrations. Also in the spotlight are various festivals, special events, fun activities and leisure opportunities offered by the emirate throughout the year.

The Sharjah pavilion at ITB offers visitors a genuine experience of the emirate’s culture with a traditional Ayala band. Visitors can also try out Arabic Henna designs, which are an important part of the Emirati culture. Visitors have an opportunity to get their names written in beautiful Arabic calligraphy or savour the true flavours of Sharjah as they are welcomed in traditional style with coffee, dates and freshly made Luqaimat, an Emirati preparation featuring small dumplings. A new addition to the stand this year is an edutainment area that explains the process of perfume making in Sharjah. Visitors get to create their own perfumes and take away a sample from the stand.

ITB Berlin this year features top international destinations, tour operators, online booking portals and hotels, industry leaders and many other service providers from over 180 countries.