Sharjah’s tourism sector experienced notable growth in the first eight months of 2024, with hotel guest numbers rising by 3.07% compared to the same period last year. A total of 1.057 million guests stayed in Sharjah’s hotels, up from 1.025 million in 2023, while hotel occupancy rates remained steady at 66%.
These positive figures were revealed at the annual ‘Connected Meeting,’ hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) on Thursday at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park. The event, which brought together key industry players, focused on the emirate’s tourism performance and strategic future plans.
Russia was highlighted as Sharjah’s top source market, contributing 21% of hotel guests, or around 160,000 visitors, from January to August 2024. Other key markets included the UAE, making up 11% of visitors, India (10%), and Oman (6%).
During the meeting, the SCTDA emphasized ongoing efforts to improve Sharjah’s tourism services and enhance the overall visitor experience. The authority outlined various initiatives aimed at elevating the emirate’s global profile and reinforcing its position as a leading destination in the region.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the significance of these developments: “Sharjah has ambitious plans to further enhance the tourism sector, which already contributes over 11% to the UAE’s non-oil GDP. The emirate’s efforts include major infrastructure investments, the expansion of Sharjah International Airport, and the organisation of year-round tourism events and activities. By strengthening collaboration among all tourism stakeholders, we aim to consistently elevate service quality and bolster Sharjah’s status as a premier global tourist destination.”
Looking ahead, the authority announced plans to focus on building strategic partnerships both locally and internationally. SCTDA also detailed upcoming marketing campaigns designed to attract more visitors and boost the emirate’s tourism industry. These campaigns will leverage collaborative efforts with industry partners and promote Sharjah’s diverse offerings, from its rich cultural heritage to modern attractions.
With tourism being a key pillar of Sharjah’s economy, the continued growth in hotel guest numbers reflects the success of these initiatives, positioning the emirate for further expansion in the global tourism landscape.