Sharjah’s tourism industry has seen steady growth during the first eight months of 2024, as the number of hotel guests rose by 3.07%, reaching 1.057 million visitors compared to 1.025 million during the same period last year. Despite this rise in visitors, hotel occupancy rates held steady at 66%, highlighting the stable demand for accommodations within the emirate.
These findings were presented at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA) annual event, "Connected Meeting," which took place at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. The meeting was attended by Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, alongside key industry leaders from both the public and private sectors.
The tourism performance report for January to August 2024 also highlighted Russia as Sharjah’s top source of international tourists, contributing 21% of the total market share. India followed closely with 10%, while visitors from Oman made up 6%. Domestically, 11% of hotel guests were from within the UAE, underscoring the emirate’s appeal to local travelers as well.
During the meeting, the authority shared updates on recent developments within Sharjah’s tourism industry, emphasizing ongoing initiatives to improve tourism services and provide better visitor experiences. The event also spotlighted new tourist attractions and the expansion of Sharjah’s marine transport services, while outlining future plans to further elevate the sector.
Sharjah is focusing on strengthening its tourism sector through various strategies. This includes launching joint marketing campaigns aimed at tapping into new and emerging markets, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, and implementing advanced digital platforms to broaden their reach. These efforts are designed to increase Sharjah’s visibility globally and attract a wider audience of international visitors.
Moreover, SCTDA is dedicated to organizing vibrant events and activities that will engage tourists throughout the year. These initiatives include partnerships with shopping centers and retail outlets to ensure that the tourism sector grows sustainably.
The announcement of these new developments comes in conjunction with World Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27.
This occasion serves as a reminder of the crucial role that tourism plays in promoting economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress.
In celebration of this global event, the SCTDA reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Sharjah’s tourism industry in line with international best practices. This ensures that the emirate remains a leading destination for travelers while promoting sustainability and innovation.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the SCTDA, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors in achieving sustainable development within the tourism industry.
He noted that this annual meeting demonstrates the successful partnership between different stakeholders, all working toward a common goal inspired by the vision of Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. According to Al Midfa, this vision aims to solidify the tourism industry as a key contributor to Sharjah’s economic development.
He further elaborated on Sharjah’s ambitious plans to continue enhancing the tourism sector. The industry currently contributes over 11% to the UAE’s non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and the emirate has committed to several large-scale infrastructure investments. Among these are the expansion of Sharjah International Airport and the hosting of numerous tourism-related events and activities throughout the year. Al Midfa emphasized that through stronger collaboration among all stakeholders, Sharjah is working to improve service quality continuously, ensuring that the emirate stands out as a premier global tourism destination.
In addition to showcasing the achievements and future goals of the tourism sector, the SCTDA also discussed the introduction of its "Business Continuity Management System." This system is designed to ensure that essential public services continue uninterrupted, even in the face of unexpected emergencies or crises. The system aligns with the National Standard for Business Continuity Management, which aims to enhance institutional resilience and guarantee a quick recovery from any disruptions.
Key elements of the system include clear plans for managing incidents, precautionary measures to protect both human resources and infrastructure, and effective communication protocols with all relevant partners. These steps aim to safeguard the tourism sector and maintain its growth, even during challenging times.
By focusing on improving infrastructure, expanding services, and enhancing collaboration, Sharjah is on track to achieve its goals of long-term, sustainable growth within the tourism sector, ensuring the emirate continues to attract visitors from around the world.Sharjah’s Tourism Sector Shows Consistent Growth with Increasing Hotel Guests in 2024
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