26 REGION AFRICA &
26 REGION AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST Europeans Boost Visitor Numbers to Sharjah Khalid Jasim Al Midfa Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, told ITB Berlin News that 2017 was a remarkable year for the Emirate’s tourism sector, with Europe visitors staying at Sharjah’s hotels, up 36.1% over 2016. We asked what are the main products or assets being promoted at ITB Berlin. A large number of government and private entities are participating in ITB Berlin 2018 under the umbrella of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The government delegation includes Knowledge without Borders; Expo Centre Sharjah; Sharjah Investment and Development Authority; Environment and Protected Areas Authority; the Sharjah Museums Authority; and the Sharjah International Airport. What sets Sharjah apart from the other Emirates as a destination? Sharjah is very different to the other emirates in the fact that it offers something for everyone while retaining its own very charming cultural identity and Islamic heritage. Tourists can enjoy authentic Arabian ambience, which is usually rare to find in some of the Gulf region’s ultra-modern cities. Crowned the Islamic Culture Capital of 1998, the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2014, and Capital of Arab Tourism 2015, the Emirate is a treasure house of learning, art, and craftsmanship. THE EUROPEAN MARKET HAS ALWAYS BEEN FOND OF SHARJAH Visitors to the Emirate are enthralled by the magnificent facets of Arabic lifestyle, heritage, and art through its museums, heritage sites and mosques. Sharjah’s attractions include festivals and events that emphasise the Emirate’s dedication to the encouragement of education and heritage; cultural festivals such as Sharjah Heritage Days, which coincides with UNESCO’s celebrations of the Heritage International Day in April. What is your key message to travel professionals at ITB Berlin? The European market has always been fond of Sharjah, thanks to our unique offering of sun, sand and authentic culture. A visit to the Emirate is your best opportunity to catch a break from the daily hustle and bustle of city life and to revel in the tranquility of old-world charm and natural beauty Hall 2.2 / Stand 102 Rashed Al Qurese Chief Marketing & Promotion Officer, Visit Qatar Qatar Benefits From Visa Waiver In the first part of 2017, Qatar witnessed a 7% growth in visitor arrivals. Rashed Al Qurese, Chief Marketing & Promotion Officer at Visit Qatar tells ITB Berlin News about the challenges that faced the Emirate and how it responded. Following the Saudi-led blockade imposed on Qatar, and the related border closures and travel ban, there were large declines in visitor arrivals of those who are nationals and residents of the GCC blockading countries. However, efforts to diversify source markets by granting visafree entry to citizens of more than 80 countries, continue to show promising results, with increases in visitor arrivals from key primary markets. Furthermore, the cruise industry continues to grow at a rapid pace, with Qatar welcoming 22 ships at Doha Port throughout the season ending in April 2017. How has the free visa programme helped? Facilitating visitor entry is a key element in realising our vision for visitors to enjoy seamless journeys to, from and within Qatar. Last year, we saw the introduction of a new free 96- hour transit visa to passengers of all nationalities which was complemented by the +Qatar campaign, which ran until December 2017. The waiver of entry-visa requirements for citizens of over 80 countries makes Qatar the most open country in the region. What are the “star” tourism products this year at ITB Berlin? Visitors to Qatar in 2018 will continue to have access to a broad range of hotels that cater to the budget conscious and the luxury seekers. Whichever they are looking for, visitors can be sure of a warm, unforgettable guest experience. What is your key message to travel professionals from around the world at ITB Berlin 2018? Qatar is the most open country in our region and we welcome the world to experience a unique destination where cultural authenticity meets modernity; where Arabian sands meet the sea; where people of the world come together to experience unique offerings in sports, culture, family entertainment and business Hall 2.2 / Stand 206 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Friday 9 th March 2018 www.itb-berlin-news.com
AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST REGION 27 Kenya Ready to Do Business The east African nation is inviting the world to experience its year-round safari ADVERTORIAL Kenya is back at ITB Berlin this year with an even more varied offering than in past editions, shining a very positive light on the future of the nation’s tourism offering. We asked Tourism Minister Najib Balala about Kenya’s key message to travel agents and tour operators. This is an opportunity to reassure travel agents of Kenya’s resilience and vibrancy. Kenya is ready for business, with improved infrastructure, investment opportunities, incentives and support programmes, and above all the warmth of the Kenyan people. Travel agents should put Kenya on the top of their list thanks to new attractive packages and varied tourism product offerings. How is your tourism market progressing? Kenya grew stronger in 2017 as a destination brand following the endorsement it received through global accolades. For example, the World Travel Awards declared Kenya the world’s best safari destination. Kenya’s tourism sector recorded a double-digit rise in earnings in 2017, recording approximately €962 million in tourism revenues. This denotes a 20.3% growth compared to 2016. The strong growth in tourism receipts was underpinned by a 9.8% growth in total international arrivals into Kenya to nearly 1.5 million. Most of Kenya’s source markets recorded impressive growth in 2017. The USA remained Kenya’s leading source market, growing by 17% to top 114,507 arrivals. What have been the key contributing factors to your nation’s success on the tourism front? The launch of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Najib Balala Minister of Tourism, Kenya Gauge Railway coupled with increased air connectivity have improved access to attractions. Furthermore, the opening up of new properties and the entrance of more international brands have expanded our capacity. It is important to let the world know that a Kenyan safari does not happen only during the wildebeest migration into Maasai Mara; it’s an all-year experience Hall 21.a / Stand 122 AMMAN, CENTRE OF ARAB CONTEMPORARY ARTS If Jordan is better known by tourists for the exquisite elegance of the Petra archaeological site, Amman is increasingly attracting art lovers thanks to its lively art scene. Amman has seen its art scene come of age in recent years with multiplying art galleries and art cafes. The relocation of many Iraqi and Palestinian artists to Jordan in recent years has turned Amman into the new capital of arts for the Middle East, especially when coupled with existing institutions such as the National Gallery, or Dar-Al-Anda Art Gallery with its unique collection of modern Arabic art. An important event is the yearly Baladak Street Art Graffiti festival organised by Al Balad Theatre, which in 2018 partners with the European Union National Institutes for Culture. The festival will be held May 5-10 and will see Amman walls transformed into colourful sites by graffiti artists and painters who have come from across the Middle East and Europe Hall 4.1 / Stand 202 Hall 4.2 / Stand 200 ITB BERLIN NEWS • Friday 9 th March 2018
