Sharjah’s booming tourism sector
Tourism is the major contributor towards the economy of Sharjah. In 2017, hotel revenues and guest numbers increased significantly, according to the latest annual report of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).
With the ease of visa for Chinese and Russian tourists announced last year, there has been a continuous growth in both these nationalities to the emirate of Sharjah. The 2021 vision is based on promoting the destination as a family-oriented leisure spot with improved tourist experience through innovation, ensuring that high quality tourism facilities are available through partnerships and collaborative efforts whilst improving the destination in cultural and heritage tourism.
Increasing trend in hotel occupancy
SCTDA revealed that Sharjah hotels recorded an occupancy rate growth in 2017 amid the government’s tourism campaigns and initiatives. The occupancy rate reached 70 per cent last year, indicating an exponentially rising number of regional and global travellers visiting the emirate.
H E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA said, “Last year’s positive developments were the results of the initiatives to transform the emirate into one of the world’s leading family destinations in line with the directives of H H Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and in support of Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 which seeks to attract over 10 million visitors to Sharjah shores by 2021. Our strong performance last year helped catapult Sharjah into the ranks of the most innovative and competitive cities in the world. Our continuing achievements and successes are proof of the emirate’s capability to provide an exceptional travel experience as well as high potential to attract tourists from around the world.”
Shurooq’s role
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) continuously highlights Sharjah as one of the region’s fastest-growing and most attractive prospects to both tourists and investors. Some of its key hospitality and tourism projects include the developments, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah, Al Qasba, Flag Island, Al Noor Island, Heart of Sharjah, the Sharjah Collection and Mleiha Archaeological and Ecotourism project. These represent some of the most exciting destinations and reinforce the diversification of Sharjah’s tourism and infrastructure, and its substantial contribution to the local economy and foreign investment. His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Serkal, Executive Chairman, Shurooq stated, “We are focusing on developing investments for Sharjah, making it a hub for investors to diversify the economy of the emirate of Sharjah. During the past few months Shurooq signed a few MOUs for high end tourism development.”