Over One And A Half Million Visitors To Al Qasba In 2009

New statistics reveal business successes, visitor demographics, and attendance figures as Sharjah’s leading destination participates for the 6th consecutive time at Arabian Travel Market 2010

Al Qasba, the premiere tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the emirate of Sharjah, has revealed key statistics from 2009 and the first quarter of 2010 that indicate an upsurge in both entertainment seekers and business ventures. The report came as Sharjah’s leading destination is currently participating for the sixth consecutive time in Arabian Travel Market 2010 (ATM), the industry´s leading travel and tourism exhibition. During the four-day exhibition, which kicked off today, May 4, Al Qasba displays an array of its latest promotions and offerings in its stand UAE 2200 in Hall # 2.

In 2009 and the first quarter of 2010, over a million and a half visitors have enjoyed the attractions offered at Al Qasba. Many days saw over 30,000 unique visitors. When comparing numbers from last year, every month of 2009 so far has seen an increase in the number of visitors, sometimes three or four times as many as 2008. During the summer, a series of successful promotion campaigns attracted 200,000 more people than the same period last year. In the first eight months of 2009, there was also an 18% increase in total footfall numbers compared to the same period of 2008.

Commenting on the participation, H.E Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority, said: “Our 6th consecutive participation at ATM is on a large scale with the fact that Al Qasba is showcasing its services under the Sharjah Government stand. We are looking forward to witness an impressive audience turnout and to grab the chance to communicate with a variety of investors and tour operators and discuss the opportunities that we can take advantage of.

Commenting on the 2009 figures, Hazem Al Sawaf, Director of sales and Marketing at Al Qasba Development Authority, said: “As a destination, Al Qasba is without a doubt one of the most happening places in the UAE. The single most important reason for that expansion has been the engagement of public audiences. Through one-on-one surveys, media monitoring, and participation in international tourism exhibitions, we are constantly looking for up-and-coming business opportunities. Positive numbers for 2009 and first quarter of 2010 show us that we are on the right track.”

While the largest group of visitors to Al Qasba remains residents of the UAE, 2009 saw an increase in the number of tourists from neighbouring countries, namely Oman, KSA and Qatar along with an increase in the numbers of European tourists. Major attractions were Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates (EEOE), which captivated local populations as the largest Ferris-wheel in the region. The new figures show a 10% increase in the number of thrill seekers taking a trip on the ride during Q1 of 2009 compared to same period in 2008. An average crowd of just fewer than 10,000 visit the attraction every month. On the other hand, fine dining is another area in which year-round promotions and giveaways have attracted huge audiences from across the region. In the first eight months of 2009, Al Qasba restaurants and cafes had more than three times as many customers as in all of 2008. In June, one of the hottest months in the UAE, over 228,000 people dined at Al Qasba restaurants and cafes, more than all the restaurant visitors of last summer combined.

Running from May 4-7 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 17th edition of the Arabian Travel Market is dedicated to unlocking the business potential within the Middle East region, uniting key market players from six continents, and create the ideal platform for intensive meetings, seminars, press conferences and social networking opportunities.

For more information, please visit: www.alqasba.ae.

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