SHARJAH, 3rd March, 2024 (WAM) — In continuation of the agenda of Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) in its fifth meeting, as part of its work for the first regular session of the eleventh legislative term, at its headquarters in Sharjah, headed by Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of SCC, the Council discussed the policy of Sharjah Tourism and Commerce Development Authority (SCTDA).
The meeting was attended by Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Member of Sharjah Executive Council (SEC), Chairman of the Authority; Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of the Authority, and their assistants from SCTDA, namely Iman Al Mahrezi, Director of the General Department of Institutional Services, and Ahmed Al Tunaiji, Director of the Tourism Standards Department.
Then, the Secretary-General of the Council, Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan said that the SCTDA works, through its roles, to strengthen the position of the emirate on the global travel and tourism map, in light of introducing the emirate’s potential, within its work system to develop strategic plans that would develop the tourism sector in all its aspects, and defining general policies for participation in local, regional and international exhibitions.
On behalf of the SCTDA, Al Midfa thanked the members of the council, appreciating the SEC’s continued support of the Authority’s activities and events, which translate the vision and directives of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the generous patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, which was the greatest motivation in the Authority’s tireless pursuit of successes and achievements at all levels.
Al Midfa presented a video on the SCTDA’s activities, then touched on the Authority’s policies and services. He pointed out that it undertakes many tasks and responsibilities that play an important and effective role in supporting the tourism and commercial sectors.
Al Midfa, and his assistants from the Authority, responded to members’ questions by emphasising what it has been keen to achieve since its establishment in 1996, to develop marketing and promotional plans for the Emirate of Sharjah.
Al Midfa confirmed that the SCTDA is keen to develop marketing and promotional plans for the Emirate, and formulate a policy of participation in local, regional and international exhibitions and events that have benefitted Sharjah’s tourism, travel and commercial sectors. This was evident by the increase in tourist arrivals to the emirate, whereas Russian tourists reached 16 percent of the total market and visitors from the Sultanate of Oman recorded growth rates of 25 percent compared to the previous year, while local tourism recorded a growth of 11 percent.
The sector saw a strong start in 2023, reflecting the sector’s recovery from the effects of the pandemic, achieving monthly growth rates averaging 19 percent. Rates declined during the Holy Month of Ramadan and the beginning of the summer, but it rose again with the beginning of winter, achieving an 11 percent increase.
The main markets exporting tourism to the emirate according to geographical distribution and share of the total market – 2023: Europe 27 percent, Asia 27 percent, Arab countries 17 percent, Gulf countries 16 percent, UAE 11 percent, Africa 3 percent, and the Americas two percent.
Thanks to the continuous participation in these events, Sharjah was able to reserve a prominent place in many international destinations. It has three participations in international exhibitions and six promotional tours, and through these participations it has obtained many international awards that are added to the Authority and Sharjah.