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Sharjah: GCC tourist influx into Sharjah has substantially grown in summer 2008, and is expected to see further increases up to the end of summer season.
Statistics issued by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) for the first half of 2008 ended June 30th showed an increase in the number of GCC visitors to the emirate to exceed 170,000 tourists, a 10 per cent growth as compared to the figures reported for the corresponding period in 2007. This has likewise impacted a record hotel occupancy rate in Sharjah this summer.
Mohammed A. Al Noman, Director General of SCTDA, expected a further increase of 15 per cent in the GCC tourist influx into the emirate during the remaining period of this summer, and the second half of the year, noting that Sharjah's tourism sector is witnessing a considerable growth during the current year, with very promising results of summer season since its beginning.
He said that the good strategic planning set by the authority has been bearing fruits year on year.
The current rise can be largely attributed to the promotional policies adopted by the SCTDA, aimed at attracting more GCC tourists into the emirate during summer.
The promotional campaign was culminated with a road show conducted by the authority throughout the GCC countries in the spring, to highlight the existing tourist attraction in the emirate.
The campaign was received by strong and enthusiastic response from GCC tourists who extensively attended the promotional workshops organised by the SCTDA, and presentations on the emirate as a favourite destination for summer holiday.
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