12th Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum concludes

The forum also underscored the necessity of harmonizing new technologies with the preservation of the distinctive character and identity of the tourism sector.

Innovation within the tourism industry was identified as a significant driver of growth, particularly for startups seeking expansion. Discussions addressed the primary challenges faced by these enterprises and underscored the importance of collaboration among governmental institutions and private entities to foster innovation and promote sustainable growth and competitiveness.

Sustainability was a prominent theme, with sessions dedicated to advocating responsible tourism practices and addressing issues such as environmental misinformation. Participants emphasized the importance of transparency and presented successful case studies demonstrating the balance between conserving natural resources and advancing the tourism industry.

This year's forum allocated particular attention to youth and media. There were sessions and workshops aimed at guiding young entrepreneurs in seizing opportunities within the tourism sector, with young leaders collaborating alongside established industry decision-makers.

A dialogue session on media highlighted critical topics, including the influence of media and young people in shaping travel trends, the effect of social media on travelers' decisions, and the potential of AI in generating travel-related content. Additionally, there was a significant emphasis on showcasing local cuisine and flavors as vital attractions for tourists.