The emirate of Sharjah has reported a significant increase in European visitors in 2023, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors from the European market. The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced this achievement during its participation in ITB Berlin 2024, the premier travel trade show globally. Sharjah’s presence at the event underscores its commitment to showcasing its diverse tourism offerings and attracting global visitors.
European market growth
European visitors constituted 27 percent of Sharjah’s total visitor count, with a 28 percent increase compared to the previous year. This surge in European visitors reflects the success of Sharjah’s strategic development initiatives in positioning the emirate as a preferred destination among international travelers.
As part of its participation, Sharjah is highlighting its comprehensive vision for attracting more visitors and growing its tourism sector. It is also showcasing the emirate’s prominent landmarks and unique tourist destinations that have positioned Sharjah as a preferred destination among Europeans. German visitors, in particular, rank second in the total number of Western European visitors to Sharjah, highlighting the emirate’s popularity in the region.
Commenting on the participation, Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, said, “The upswing in European market guests stands as a clear testament to the tangible success achieved through our strategic development initiatives, translating into a substantial and positive contribution to the emirate’s thriving economy.”
ITB Berlin 2024
As part of its participation in ITB Berlin 2024, the Sharjah pavilion brings together 19 government and private entities. It is showcasing a vibrant array of tourism, hospitality, cultural, and entertainment experiences. Through interactive exhibits and advanced technologies, Sharjah aims to further enhance its reputation as a premier tourist destination for European visitors. Moreover, the pavilion is highlighting Sharjah’s rich diversity of destinations, offerings and services, further cementing its stance as a premier tourist destination in the region.
During the event, Sharjah’s delegation engaged in meetings with investors and business leaders interested in the tourism and trade sectors. Additionally, interviews with European media have highlighted Sharjah’s active participation and the latest innovations within its tourism sector.
Innovative tourism offerings
At the Sharjah pavilion, visitors can experience an array of innovative tourism offerings, including augmented reality experiences, virtual reality simulations, and immersive metaverse experiences. Highlights include thrilling adventures with the Sharjah Formula 1 team, virtual museum tours, and virtual safari expeditions showcasing the emirate’s diverse ecosystems. These immersive experiences demonstrate Sharjah’s commitment to sustainable, environmental, adventure, and cultural tourism.
Read: Places to visit in Sharjah
Commitment to growth
Al Midfa emphasized the significance of Sharjah’s tourism achievements and its commitment to further innovation. He highlighted the positive impact of increased European visitors on Sharjah’s economy. “We are committed to building on this success by innovating further in our tourism services, offerings and experiences. We believe that these statistics are not just numbers but represent genuine opportunities to elevate Sharjah’s profile as a premier tourist destination within the region,” he added.
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