Sharjah 24: 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 His Excellency 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 His Excellency 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 SCTDA works, through its roles, to strengthen the position of the Emirate of Sharjah on the global travel and tourism map, in light of introducing the emirate’s potentials, within its work system aimed at developing strategic plans that would develop the tourism sector in all its aspects, and defining general policies for participation in local, regional and international exhibitions.
Khaled Jassim Al Midfa extended his thanks, on behalf of SCTDA, to the members of the honourable council, appreciating SEC continued support of the Authority’s activities and events, which translate the insightful vision and sublime directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the generous patronage of His Highness 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 SCTDA activities, then touched on the authority’s policies and services. He pointed out that SCTDA undertakes many tasks and responsibilities that play an important and effective role in supporting the tourism and commercial sectors.
Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, and his assistants from the Authority, responded to members’ questions by emphasising what the Authority 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 of Sharjah, and to formulate a policy of participation in local, regional and international exhibitions and events have resulted in many benefits for the tourism, travel and commercial sectors in Sharjah, which was evident in increasing the rate of tourist arrivals to the Emirate, whereas Russian tourists reached 16% of the total market and visitors from the Sultanate of Oman recorded growth rates of 25% compared to the previous year, while local tourism recorded a growth of 11%.
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%. Rates declined during the month of Ramadan and the beginning of the summer, but it rose again with the beginning of the winter, achieving a total increase rate estimated at 11%.
The main markets exporting tourism to the Emirate of Sharjah according to geographical distribution and share of the total market – 2023: Europe 27%, Asia 27%, Arab countries 17%, Gulf countries 16%, UAE 11%, Africa 3%, and the Americas 2%.
Thanks to the continuous participation in these events, Sharjah was able to reserve a prominent place in many international destinations. It has 3 participations in international exhibitions and 6 promotional tours, and through these participations it has obtained many international awards that are added to the authority and Sharjah.
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