The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announced that the emirate received more than 1.5 million hotel guests during the year 2023, and recorded an increase of 11% compared to the year 2022, in a development that reflects the sustainable tourism growth in the emirate and the potential of Sharjah as a leading tourist destination, and revealed that Russia and the Baltic countries topped the rates. The number of guests in Sharjah increased by 36% compared to last year, followed by the Gulf countries with a growth rate of 17%, and Australia and the Pacific countries came in third place with an increase of 15%, which indicates the diversity of sources of attracting guests and enhances Sharjah’s position as a global tourist center.
This came during a press conference held by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, during its participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, which witnessed a review of the most prominent components of the tourism and travel sector in Sharjah, and the disclosure of details of the latest projects and sustainable tourist destinations in the emirate, which included the “Development and Organization of Al Badayer” project. affiliated with the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and in coordination with a group of strategic partners in the government sector in the emirate, and the “Mleiha National Park” affiliated with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority “Shurooq”, the Kalba Hanging Gardens, Al Hafiya Lake, and other projects, where the authority collected Under the umbrella of the “Sharjah Pavilion” there are 27 entities from the public and private sectors.
- 250 thousand Gulf visitors
The Commerce and Tourism Development Authority explained that Sharjah has established its position as a preferred tourist destination for Arab and foreign guests through the tourist destinations and advanced facilities it hosts, as it includes more than 100 hotels providing more than 10,000 hotel rooms, and it is working to continuously develop its services and facilities and open quality tourism projects. World class, to accommodate expected increases in guest numbers, and adapt to growth rates.
According to the latest results announced by the Authority, the number of guests in the emirate from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (excluding the UAE) during the year 2023 witnessed a remarkable growth, with the number of guests reaching approximately 250,000 hotel guests, an increase of 17% over the previous year, which received 211,000 guests, which It indicates the growing attractiveness of Sharjah in its regional surroundings.
The Sultanate of Oman came as the most prominent source of guests from the Gulf region with a total of nearly 140,000 guests, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came in second place with a total of 75,000 guests, which confirms the strong cultural and economic ties between Sharjah and the Arab Gulf countries. Commenting on the sector’s results for the year 2023, Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said: “Sharjah is witnessing tangible development in the tourism and travel sector year after year, supported by the wise vision of the wise leadership, and the results of 2023 reflect the accelerated growth of this vital sector. Tourism has significantly contributed to developing infrastructure, supporting the local economy, and creating new job opportunities, enhancing the emirate’s comprehensive economic growth process.”
He added: “Sharjah has established its position as a global tourism center, emphasizing its pioneering role in sustainable development, innovation and technological development in the sector. We are committed to working to enhance the growth of the sector according to a multi-dimensional plan that adopts a comprehensive approach that focuses on developing an integrated, sustainable tourism system in cooperation with various bodies and institutions. To support the competitiveness of the tourism sector globally. The emirate also believes in innovation as a fundamental pillar of its tourism strategy, as it encourages the development of qualitative initiatives, programs and projects that keep pace with the latest global trends in the sector, and invests in its rich cultural and natural components in establishing sustainable tourism facilities and projects that contribute to providing exceptional experiences for visitors, and all of this is inseparable from enabling… Qualified national cadres and workers in the sector, to contribute to achieving the emirate’s vision towards comprehensive development.”
- Interactive experiences
During its participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition, the Sharjah Pavilion presented interactive experiences that employ the latest digital technologies, to introduce visitors to the emirate’s history, present and ambitions, as well as to its exceptional destinations and prominent landmarks that embody the depth, cultural and civilizational diversity, and natural richness that it enjoys.
Visitors enjoyed a number of various virtual experiences, including the “Metaverse” world of Sharjah, a virtual experience from the “Sharjah Environment and Natural Reserves Authority” inside a “Sharjah Safari” car, which took them on an enjoyable introductory tour of the destination’s various environments and the animals and birds present in each of them. In sports experiences, the “Sharjah International Marine Sports Club” showcased one of the speedboats of the Sharjah Formula 1 team, in addition to a virtual experience that simulates kayaking to explore Sharjah touristically through rowing. As for classic car lovers, the “Sharjah Vintage Car Club” offered visitors the opportunity to learn about the history of Sharjah. Old cars in the emirate and exploring the various museum holdings using virtual reality technology. The Sharjah Museums Authority also provided virtual tours in Sharjah museums.