Sharjah reports a boost in tourism
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The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) recently reported its tourism statistics for the first half of Year 2014.
Sharjah witnessed a 15% jump over the same period last year when the Emirate received 955,355 tourists. This continued and sustained growth of the tourism sector was highlighted by HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.
The H1 statistics reflect a stable occupancy of nearly 74% in hotels. In terms of stay, hotel establishments recorded 1,817,416 guest nights that included 110,621 guest nights for hotels and 711,206 guest nights for hotel apartments. Guest nights also witnessed an encouraging six percent increase.
According to SCTDA statistics, European tourists once again came out on top. Sharjah received 409,578 European visitors in the first half of 2014 accounting for 37% of total number of tourists. The Russian tourists formed 25% of total number of European visitors. The second spot was taken by visitors from the GCC or Gulf states. Sharjah received 369,485 visitors from the Gulf states, accounting for 34% of total share of tourists.
They were followed by Asian tourists at 13% and visitors from other Arab countries at 12%. The nationals from the Americas, Africa and the Pacific accounted for five percent.
Al Noman expressed confidence that the second half of the year will continue the growth trend by attracting more visitors with a number of special events and activities. Sharjah’s year-long celebrations for the Capital of Arab Tourism next year will include international festivals, exhibitions, workshops and seminars.
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