Sharjah proves popular at World Travel Market

Sharjah received a major boost in its bid to attract tourists and property investors to the region at the World Travel Market 2008 (WTM).

The emirate's stand received significant attention from British and other international media interested in the rapid growth of its visitor numbers in the last five years.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), said that the tourism industry was one of the region's most effective economic sectors.

He added that the emirate would seek to launch further ventures, including the building of tourist cities and villages "to attract both tourists and investors to the emirate".

Figures show that Sharjah has become a popular destination for visitors who are lured by the moderate climate as well as its cultural and heritage aspects, meaning owners of real estate in the UAE have seen an influx of tourists.

The WTM 2008 also saw the release of the latest Country Brand Index, which highlighted the United Arab Emirates as one of the most impressive destinations over the last year.