Sharjah Celebrates Excellence In Tourism

STE Awards Contributing To Promising Steps In Tourism Competitiveness, Says Al Noman

The high achievers of the tourism and hospitality industry as well as the UAE media were feted at a grand ceremony last night as part of the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Awards. The fourth edition of the STE Awards was hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

Speaking on the occasion, SCTDA Chairman HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman attributed the impressive growth and excellence in the tourism sector over the past few years to the partnership and collective efforts of the public and private sectors. The STE Awards is an attempt to recognize and celebrate these collective efforts and initiatives by the public and private sector to promote excellence in Sharjah’s tourism sector during year 2011, he said.

“One of the most important factors that contributed to tourism and success in other areas over the years has been the ability of the emirate to adapt itself to new trends and demands of the tourism industry and offer strategic solutions, ensuring quality of service standards and enhancing opportunities for tourism growth,” emphasised Al Noman. “Year 2011 saw many achievements and successes reaffirming Sharjah’s position as a key global tourism destination,” added he.

Referring to the unrivalled progress the UAE has registered on the tourism front during the past few years, the SCTDA Chairman said that Sharjah has played a crucial role in this growth and is set to boost its contribution further in years ahead. “We are fully aware of the trends in the global tourism market and we always try to keep ourselves abreast of all the developments,” said Al Noman.

Underscoring the critical importance of tourism for the economic growth and development of the emirate, he said the emirate had taken huge strides on the tourism front under the leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah who has a long-term plan and vision for the sector. He also thanked His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, for his constant support.

Al Noman said that this year the Authority had added several new competitive dimensions to the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Awards to make the process more cutting-edge and inclusive. The new categories include include the Award for Destination Development, Destination Experience Award, Award for Best Shopping Experience, Award for Luxury Accommodation, Award for Standard Accommodation, Award for Basic Accommodation and Award for Tourism Communication.

“Striving for excellence in tourism sector and achieving the quality of tourism products and services in accordance with international standards will encourage private sector to unleash its true potential. If tourism grows, the economy will grow and we’ll all grow,” added the SCTDA Chairman

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