Sharjah’s tourism sector has seen remarkable growth in the first eight months of 2024. Hotel guest numbers rose by 3.07 percent, reaching 1.057 million compared to 1.025 million during the same period last year, while hotel occupancy rates held steady at 66 percent.
These latest figures were presented at the annual ‘Connected Meeting’ hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. The event featured Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, alongside key industry partners from both public and private sectors.
Key source markets
Performance results from January to August 2024 identified Russia as the top source market for Sharjah, contributing 21 percent of the market share. India followed with 10 percent, while Oman accounted for 6 percent. Additionally, domestic tourism from the UAE comprised 11 percent of the total.
Ongoing initiatives and future goals
During the meeting, SCTDA highlighted recent advancements within Sharjah’s tourism sector and its ongoing initiatives to improve service quality and enhance visitor experiences. The event also introduced new tourist attractions and marine transport services, while outlining future goals focused on strengthening strategic partnerships both locally and globally. Key initiatives include launching joint marketing campaigns aimed at emerging markets, leveraging AI solutions, and implementing advanced digital platforms to broaden audience engagement. Moreover, the Authority is committed to organizing engaging events and experiences, along with forming partnerships with shopping centers and retail establishments to ensure sustainable growth in Sharjah’s tourism sector.
Celebrating World Tourism Day
This announcement aligns with World Tourism Day on September 27, which serves as an important platform to underscore tourism’s essential role in promoting economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. On this occasion, SCTDA reaffirmed its dedication to advancing the sector following best practices, ensuring sustainability, and further solidifying Sharjah’s position as a favored tourism destination.
Importance of public-private partnerships
In his keynote address, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the emirate’s sustainable development objectives. He remarked that this annual gathering exemplifies the successful collaboration among tourism industry stakeholders, reflecting the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to establish tourism as a vital pillar of the national economy.
Ambitious plans for development
Al Midfa indicated that Sharjah has ambitious plans to further advance the tourism sector, which currently contributes over 11 percent to the UAE’s non-oil GDP. He mentioned that the initiatives include significant infrastructure investments, the expansion of Sharjah International Airport, and the organization of year-round tourism events and activities. He also emphasized that by promoting collaboration among all tourism stakeholders, they aim to consistently improve service quality and elevate Sharjah’s status as a premier global tourist destination.
Business continuity management system
Additionally, during the meeting, SCTDA discussed its “Business Continuity Management System,” designed to ensure the seamless delivery of essential services to the public, even during emergencies or crises. This system, which aligns with the National Standard for Business Continuity Management, aims to enhance institutional resilience and facilitate a swift recovery from potential disruptions. It includes established incident management plans, precautionary measures to protect human resources and infrastructure, and effective communication strategies with all relevant partners.
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