The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority recently announced that the emirate received more than 1.5 million hotel guests in 2023, a 11% increase compared to the previous year. This growth highlights Sharjah’s sustainable tourism development and its potential as a leading tourist destination.
Russia and the Baltic countries were revealed to be the top sources of guests, while Sharjah saw a 36% increase in guests from the previous year, followed by Gulf countries with a growth rate of 17%. Australia and Pacific countries came in third place with a 15% increase. This diversity of sources enhances Sharjah’s position as a global tourist center.
During the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority showcased various public and private sector entities under the “Sharjah Pavilion.” They also highlighted the most prominent components of the tourism sector in Sharjah, including projects like “Development and Organization of Al Badayer” in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and “Mleiha National Park” under Shurooq.
The authority emphasized Sharjah’s position as a preferred tourist destination for both Arab and foreign guests due to its advanced facilities and over 100 hotels with more than 10,000 rooms. Efforts are ongoing to enhance services and facilities to accommodate an expected increase in guest numbers.
The results showed that Gulf Cooperation Council countries (excluding UAE) saw significant growth in guest numbers from Oman and Saudi Arabia. Chairman Khaled Jassim Al Midfa emphasized Sharjah’s development in the tourism sector, attributing it to wise leadership vision. He underscored tourism’s crucial role in supporting local economy, creating job opportunities, contributing to comprehensive economic growth of emirate.
During Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition, Sharjah Pavilion presented interactive experiences utilizing digital technologies showcasing emirate’s history, present, ambitions through virtual tours of different environments, sports experiences like kayaking, cultural & natural richness exhibits which highlights commitment towards sustainable tourism innovation investment national talent as key pillars of its tourism strategy.
