Technology has and will continue to play an increasingly important role in the future of tourism in the region, officials at Gitex Technology Week 2017 said.

Speaking to Khaleej Times in an exclusive interview at the Sharjah Pavilion, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), noted that tourism is a very dynamic sector, that is usually the very first to get affected if anything happens in a country.

"Looking at the UAE, we have established ourselves very high on the list of safe and secure tourism destinations. Security has always been our top priority; and under the vision of the wise leadership of the UAE, tourism today contributes more than 13 per cent of the UAE's GDP. Sharjah, in particular, contributes nine per cent."

"The focus today has been on diversification to help the economy in a post-oil era, so it is important to have a strong tourism sector," he added. "Technology plays a vital role in today's world, and will have an increasingly bigger role in the future."

When it comes to tourism, he said, the question that is always asked is what makes people want to visit a destination? There are many factors that potential visitors will look at, including security and friendliness. Some might want to know about the shopping, while others might want to check out the gastronomy that the destination offers. Others might want to know about hidden gems and beautiful locations that should not be missed.

"Technology is a vital and cost-effective way for you to reach the right target audience. Once you identify the different traveler demographics, you can use technology to target them based on their needs and preferences. There are various tools that are available today to do this," the chairman said.

And technology, he noted, keeps on adding to the list. "We have Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, 3D, 4D, live streaming, and instant sharing on social media. The way we reach out to visitors has changed completely from 10 and even five years ago. So, now it is important for you to invest in new technologies."

Al Midfa also noted that the SCTDA launches at least one or two new technologies or applications to help it achieve its strategic objectives. At this year's Gitex, the Authority showcased its 3D Virtual Dresser. The booth allows visitors to see themselves wearing the national garb of the UAE in different settings across Sharjah. Users can pick from a variety of different outfits, and several background locations including the Central Souq, Al Noor Island, and Sharjah University City. Users can then snap the perfect selfie and send it to themselves immediately.

"We wanted to give people an idea of what the city is all about, and it goes without saying that once you take a photo like that, then you will immediately share it on social media. So, imagine the outreach that is being generated for you as a company, and all the focus that will be on Sharjah as a tourism destination," he said.

Source: Khaleej Times