There was an 11% increase in hotel guests in Sharjah during 2023, with a total of 1.5 million guests.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announced that the emirate received more than 1.5 million hotel guests during the year 2023, recording an increase of 11% compared to 2022. This growth reflects the sustainable tourism development in Sharjah and highlights its potential as a leading tourist destination. It was revealed that Russia and the Baltic countries were the top sources of guests. The number of guests from Sharjah increased by 36% compared to the previous year, followed by the Gulf countries with a growth rate of 17%, and Australia and the Pacific countries came in third place with a 15% increase. This diversity of sources of attracting guests enhances Sharjah’s position as a global tourist center.

During a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority highlighted the most prominent components of the tourism sector in Sharjah. They also disclosed details of the latest projects and sustainable tourist destinations in the emirate, including projects like the “Development and Organization of Al Badayer” in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, and the “Mleiha National Park” under Shurooq. The authority showcased various public and private sector entities under the “Sharjah Pavilion.”

The Commerce and Tourism Development Authority stressed Sharjah’s position as a preferred tourist destination for both Arab and foreign guests due to its advanced facilities and over 100 hotels with more than 10,000 rooms. Efforts are ongoing to enhance services and facilities and introduce quality tourism projects to accommodate the expected increase in guest numbers.

The results revealed that the number of guests from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (excluding the UAE) saw a significant growth in 2023, particularly from Oman and Saudi Arabia. Chairman Khaled Jassim Al Midfa emphasized Sharjah’s development in the tourism sector, attributing it to the wise leadership’s vision. He underlined the crucial role of tourism in supporting the local economy and creating job opportunities, contributing to the emirate’s comprehensive economic growth.

During the Arabian Travel Market 2024 exhibition, the Sharjah Pavilion presented interactive experiences utilizing the latest digital technologies to showcase the emirate’s history, present, and ambitions. Visitors enjoyed virtual tours of Sharjah’s various environments, sports experiences like kayaking, and learned about the emirate’s cultural and natural richness through interactive exhibits. The emirate’s commitment to sustainable tourism, innovation, and investment in national talent was highlighted as key pillars of its tourism strategy.