Sharjah's Consultative Council Deliberates On SCTDA's Tourism Enhancement Policies

In a significant meeting held at its headquarters in Sharjah, the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC) delved into the strategic operations of the Sharjah Tourism and Commerce Development Authority (SCTDA). The session, presided over by Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of SCC, saw key figures such as Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Member of Sharjah Executive Council and Chairman of SCTDA, alongside Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of the Authority, discussing pivotal strategies to enhance Sharjah's global tourism footprint.

The discussions underscored SCTDA's commitment to showcasing Sharjah's potential and developing comprehensive plans aimed at bolstering the tourism sector. Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Secretary-General of the Council, highlighted SCTDA's efforts in positioning Sharjah as a premier destination on the international travel and tourism map.

Al Midfa expressed gratitude towards the council members for their unwavering support, which aligns with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This support has been instrumental in SCTDA's pursuit of excellence across various levels.

During the meeting, Al Midfa presented a detailed overview of SCTDA's activities and policies through a video presentation. He emphasized the Authority's role in supporting the tourism and commercial sectors through strategic marketing and promotional initiatives since its inception in 1996. These efforts have significantly contributed to increasing tourist arrivals in Sharjah, with notable growth from Russian tourists and visitors from the Sultanate of Oman.

The tourism sector in Sharjah witnessed a robust start in 2023, demonstrating resilience and recovery post-pandemic with an average monthly growth rate of 19 percent. Despite a slight dip during Ramadan and early summer, the sector rebounded with the onset of winter, marking an 11 percent increase.

Data presented during the meeting highlighted the geographical distribution of Sharjah's tourism market in 2023. Europe and Asia each accounted for 27 percent of the total market share, followed by Arab countries (17 percent), Gulf countries (16 percent), UAE (11 percent), Africa (3 percent), and the Americas (2 percent).

SCTDA's active participation in international exhibitions and promotional tours has not only enhanced Sharjah's visibility on the global stage but also garnered numerous international accolades for both the Authority and Sharjah. With three participations in international exhibitions and six promotional tours to its credit, SCTDA continues to solidify Sharjah's position as a key player in the global tourism industry.

With inputs from WAM