Sharjah Consultative Council Deliberates On SCTDA's Future Tourism And Commerce Plans

In a significant meeting at its headquarters in Sharjah, the Sharjah Consultative Council (SCC), under the leadership of Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of SCC, delved into the strategies and policies of the Sharjah Tourism and Commerce Development Authority (SCTDA). This discussion, part of the council's fifth meeting during the first regular session of the eleventh legislative term, saw notable attendees including Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Member of Sharjah Executive Council and Chairman of SCTDA; Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of the Authority; and key assistants from SCTDA.

The Secretary-General of the Council, Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, highlighted SCTDA's commitment to enhancing Sharjah's global tourism appeal through strategic planning and participation in local, regional, and international exhibitions. Al Midfa expressed gratitude for the support from the council and outlined the Authority's efforts in promoting Sharjah's tourism and commercial sectors since its inception in 1996.

Al Midfa presented a comprehensive overview of SCTDA's activities and achievements, including a notable increase in tourist arrivals with significant contributions from Russian tourists and visitors from the Sultanate of Oman. The sector has shown resilience with a strong start in 2023, overcoming pandemic-related challenges and recording impressive growth rates.

The geographical distribution of tourism markets to Sharjah in 2023 reveals Europe and Asia each holding a 27 percent share, followed by Arab countries at 17 percent, Gulf countries at 16 percent, the UAE at 11 percent, Africa at 3 percent, and the Americas at two percent. SCTDA's active participation in international exhibitions and promotional tours has not only enhanced Sharjah's tourism profile but also garnered numerous international accolades.

Through strategic marketing and promotional initiatives, SCTDA continues to play a pivotal role in supporting and developing Sharjah's tourism and commercial sectors. The Authority's efforts reflect the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, further motivated by the generous patronage of H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts aimed at sustaining growth and achieving milestones in Sharjah's tourism industry.

With inputs from WAM