Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is pleased to welcome you to the
4th Sharjah Hospitality Forum
The 2017 Sharjah Hospitality Forum highlights a number of factors that influence tourism on the global stage and the emirate and key innovations in the industry. A gathering of experts and professionals in the tourism industry, the 4th Hospitality Forum will afford an exchange of important experience and information and inspire insights pertaining to the future of tourism in the region.
We are proud to present distinguished international speakers and a discussion panel composed of experts in hospitality and tourism. With topics ranging from an up-to-the-minute analysis of key indicators in the hospitality industry of the emirate, important steps toward successful innovation in the field and notable links between innovation and competition, the forum will be an important and relevant convention for all industry professionals.
Agenda
Registration & Coffee
Opening Ceremony
Opening Speech
H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Guest of Honor Opening Remarks
H.E. Gerald Lawless, World Travel & Tourism Council Chairman
Sharjah Hospitality Results
This session will highlight the performance of main tourism indicators in the Emirate of Sharjah during 2016 – 2017. It will show the key indicators that measure the performance of hotel establishments in the emirate; including the number of guest arrivals, guest nights, occupancy rates and revenue generated. It will also highlight the key growth in source markets through tracking the number of hotel guests by nationality.
The Authority is keen to harness a greater understanding of market analysis through the collection of online data. Our aspiration is that this analysis will play a major role in achieving the full potential of tourism in Sharjah and we are confident that we will continue to grow the tourism industry and its contribution to the GDP
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Address of Appreciation and Awards
Honored by H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)
Keynote Presentation: Key to a Successful Travel & Tourism Innovation
Travel & tourism, like most industries, is in a constant state of transition. It is a dynamic sector, which means that no matter how much success your destination has achieved, it is unlikely that yesterday’s strategy will carry you into tomorrow. The most successful destinations are therefore constantly looking to adapt to impending changes and to stay two or three steps ahead.
Doug Lansky will provide the most effective hooks to motivate visitors to travel to our destination showcasing methods of implementing quality visitor experience to keep them returning. Doug Lansky has a background as a travel journalist and editor with 20 years of experience writing for publications that range from National Geographic Traveler to The Guardian to Skift, and traveling to over 100 countries
Doug Lansky, Travel Writer, Industry Leader on Tourism Innovation, Trends and Destination Development
Break
Panel Discussion: A Stairway Towards Innovative Marketing
Moderated by Doug Lansky and attended by an esteemed selection of Innovation and Hospitality Experts, this panel will present techniques and advanced strategies of innovative tourism marketing The challenges and lessons of adapting innovative marketing strategies will be examined by experienced panelists offering an exciting dialogue rich with innovative tips and strategies to empower the tourism businesses.
Dr. Sanjay Nadkarni, Director of Research & Innovation, Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Dr. Amitabh Upadhya, Professor and Dean, Skyline University College, UAE
Dr. Abdelkader Daghfous, Professor of Supply Chain Management in the Marketing and Information Systems Department in the School of Business Administration, American University of Sharjah
Workshop I:
Investment in Human Capabilities
Also featuring YOU@SHJ Certificate Distribution
Mohamed Yousef, Senior Consultant, Tourism Affairs at Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority and Member of UNWTO Panel of Tourism Experts
Workshop II:
Destination Competitiveness in an Innovative World
Sara Gasim will present an intriguing overview of advanced innovative techniques in the hospitality industry. The link between destination competitiveness and innovation will be highlighted with an emphasis on strategic tools and keys to effective innovative destination competition.
Sarah Gasim, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Influencer, Saudi Arabia
Luncheon