Tourism in Sharjah is thriving, with an 11% rise in hotel visitors last year.
The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has reported that the emirate welcomed around 1.6 million hotel guests in 2024, representing an 11 percent increase from 2023. This announcement was made at the Sharjah Pavilion during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM).
The authority shared important tourism statistics for 2024, highlighting that Russian visitors led the way with over 270,000 arrivals, marking an 18 percent increase from the previous year.
Indian guests followed in second place with more than 170,000 visitors, a six percent rise. European visitors also saw a 16 percent increase, exceeding 100,000, while the number of Chinese guests skyrocketed to over 60,000, reflecting an extraordinary growth of 828 percent compared to 2023.
Among Arab nations, Oman topped the list of hotel guests, accounting for six percent of the total, followed by Saudi Arabia at five percent, Egypt at four percent, and both Syria and Iraq at three percent each.
Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), emphasized the authority's recent initiatives, including the official launch of Sharjah's new tourism brand campaign. This campaign highlights the emirate's diverse tourism offerings, which blend heritage, adventure, nature, and modern experiences, while also promoting significant events like the Sharjah Light Festival.
Reflecting on the tourism results for 2024, Al Midfa noted that the emirate continues to experience steady growth in the travel and tourism sector, driven by the strategic vision of its leadership.
He stated, “The positive results achieved by Sharjah in 2024 highlight the emirate’s rising reputation as a unique global tourism destination that harmoniously combines authenticity with modernity. The impressive 11 percent increase in hotel guest numbers demonstrates the strategic initiatives implemented by SCTDA to boost Sharjah’s attractiveness and advance the tourism sector in alignment with the emirate’s future vision, guided by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
“We are dedicated to further enhancing Sharjah’s status as a global center for sustainable and cultural tourism. Our commitment includes ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and diversifying our offerings to cater to the needs of visitors from around the world, enriching their experiences in the emirate.”
