Sharjah wins best MEE award at ITB

The Emirate of Sharjah has secured the award for Best Middle Eastern Exhibitor at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB 2009).
The Cologne Business School selected Sharjah for the prestigious award from among 11,000 stands representing a multitude of participants from around the globe, including Arab and GCC countries.
ITB Berlin attracts a large gathering of international media each year, and serves as one of the focal points for the world's tourism and business sectors.
Sharjah's participation in the event is in line with its ambitious strategy to attract international tourism, and is consistent with the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority's (SCTDA's) plans to achieve a strong presence for the emirate of Sharjah on the global tourism map.
The ITB-Cologne Business School awards have become highly sought-after since their launch nine years ago, and are counted among the most important tourism awards worldwide, attracting significant numbers of entries from all over the world each year. Subdivided into 11 categories, entries are evaluated according to research, studies and assessments done by the Cologne Business School over the course of the exhibition, and stands are judged on several design aspects, namely creativity, promotional and informative materials and activities provided, and personnel and services offered.
Sharjah's unique 310 square meter stand reflected the emirate's new brand and corporate identity, launched last year.
The stand offered numerous publications about the emirate of Sharjah, which were available in English, German and Arabic.
Various cultural activities, including henna application, were on show to promote the rich cultural heritage of the emirate, and Arabic hospitality was also available.
The emirate's stand not only received the award for Best Exhibitor in its category, but also attracted more than 25,000 visitors.