Sharjah seeks industry inputs on classification criteria

Sharjah’s tourism and hospitality sector is on the verge of a crucial transition and the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority SCTDA wants all stake holders onboard. The Authority is calling all the leaders of the travel and hotel industry seeking their inputs and suggestions on the new hotel classification criteria that are being put together.

The discussion was on Sharjah’s Hotel Classification and Licensing Law, latest updates on the classification criteria procedures that the Authority introduced in 2008 following the Sharjah Executive Council Decree No 16. The meeting elicited and discussed views and suggestions of representatives of the hotel industry.

SCTDA chairman, HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, said that the new hotel classification process is aimed at upgrading and improving quality standards of hospitality sector in the emirate and bolster growth.

“The proposed norms are aimed at improving experience of the growing number of international visitors to Sharjah, offering consumers better quality services and greater number of choices. They will help create new investment opportunities and attract new tourism market segments,” added Al Noman.

The SCTDA Chairman underscored the importance of cooperation between the Authority and all hotel establishments in the emirate to strengthen the hospitality sector, which is one of the most crucial pillars of the tourism industry.

Al Noman further elaborated that the new classification norms are in tune with the latest trends and developments in global tourism markets and the requirements of the domestic market of the emirate.

By Charmaine Fernz, 6 August 2012, Monday 6:08 PM