Sharjah’s Tourism Success Story: A Look at the Numbers and Progress Made at the Arabian Travel Market 2024.
In 2023, Sharjah recorded more than 1.5 million hotel guests, a 11% increase compared to the previous year. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announced that Russia and the Baltic countries were the top sources of guests, while Sharjah saw a 36% growth in guests from its own country, followed by Gulf countries with a 17% increase. Australia and Pacific countries came in third place with a 15% increase. This diversity of sources of attracting guests highlights 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 new 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.
The results revealed that the number of guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries (excluding the UAE) saw significant growth in 2023, particularly from Oman and Saudi Arabia. Chairman Khaled Jassim Al Midfa emphasized Sharjah’s development in the tourism sector, attributing it to the wise leadership’s vision. He underlined the crucial role of tourism in supporting the local economy and creating job opportunities, contributing to the emirate’s comprehensive economic growth.
At the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition, visitors enjoyed interactive experiences utilizing digital technologies at the Sharjah Pavilion. They took virtual tours of Sharjah’s various environments, participated in sports experiences like kayaking, learned about cultural richness through interactive exhibits, and experienced innovation through digital displays that showcased sustainable tourism initiatives.
In conclusion, Sharjah has established itself as a leading tourist destination due to its commitment to sustainable tourism development. Its diverse sources of attracting guests highlight its position as a global tourist center that provides advanced facilities for both Arab and foreign tourists. With ongoing efforts to enhance services and facilities, Sharjah is poised for continued growth as a popular travel destination.
