Sharjah tourism department has announced new and innovative ideas to attract tourists after the sector being hit hard by COVID-19. Government support and stimulus packages have been helping this vital sector take on the challenge, said Mr. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
Domestic tourism has largely softened the blow and is now proving to be the mainstay of the tourism sector in the emirate in the wake of the COVID-19 challenge.
Mr. Al Midfa stressed that “recovery to pre-crisis levels may probably take longer than first predicted with a more widespread re-opening of borders yet to unfold. We must also factor in the long-term changes in travel behavior as a result of the crisis.”
According to sources, the emirate has been working to restore the traveler’s confidence through measures such as the “Sharjah Safe for Travel Stamp” and constant monitoring of the tourist attractions and hospitality establishments in collaboration with the Sharjah Health Authority.
The SCTDA has maintained strategic relationships with important markets where Sharjah’s presence is highlighted through a variety of media and advertising platforms, as well as active promotional activities.
Mr. Al Midfa said that the social media and online campaigns have been valuable for communication, allowing to focus on maintaining a strong presence in these markets. Media and trade journal familiarization trips are another strategies to promote Sharjah in these markets.
Development of the sector is planned through diversification into adventure and nature tourism, education and research tourism, and sports tourism. The adoption of digital solutions and experiences will also play a part in the strategy to tackle tourism post-COVID.
