RIYADH — Hotels in Sharjah received 42,150 guests from Saudi Arabia during the first two months this year, according to latest available figures from Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). Sharjah's hospitality sector received 28,861 Saudi guests in January, an increase of 4 percent over 27,741 during the month last year. February witnessed a higher growth rate of 30 percent with 13,289 guests against 10,200 compared to the same period last year. According to SCTDA, family tourists from Saudi Arabia constituted 15 percent of total guests in Sharjah's hotel establishments in January 2015 compared to 13 percent in January last year. In February, the share went up from 6 percent in 2014 to 9 percent in 2015. Visitors from Arab countries account for nearly one-third of Sharjah's hospitality guests, and their numbers witnessed 10 percent growth in 2014 compared to 6 percent the previous year, SCTDA figures showed. Hotels in Sharjah are currently reporting 100 percent occupancy driven by an influx of family tourists, especially from Saudi Arabia, SCTDA has stated. With schools in the Gulf countries closed for vacation, the Emirate has attracted large number of families from across the region due its growing popularity as a family and cultural tourist destination. Sharjah's hospitality establishments received 2,036,014 guests in 2014, which was an increase of 3.4 percent over the previous year when the Emirate attracted 1,969,224 guests. Visitors from Arab countries accounted for 28 percent of total hotel guests and approximately half of the total hotel apartment guests. Sharjah has succeeded in establishing itself as a leading tourist destination for families in the region with SCTDA participating in major travel and tourism events at regional and international levels. It has participated in the four-day Riyadh Travel Fair 2015 held recently. The event brought together more than 3,500 exhibitors and participants representing the most important tourist destinations, companies and professionals in hospitality and travel sectors in the region. SCTDA participation in such events has contributed to the recognition of Sharjah by the Arab Tourism Organization as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2015, thereby strengthening its position on the regional and international tourism map. Positioning itself as a world-class tourist destination for the entire family, Sharjah organizes year-round activities and festivals to showcase the best of Arabic culture and heritage. The Emirate is renowned for a wide range of much acclaimed festivals and events, including the Sharjah Light Festival, the Sharjah Water Festival and the Sharjah International Book Fair that draw families from around the region and beyond. Sharjah is also home to heritage locations such as the Heart of Sharjah which features a number of historical sites. The Heart of Sharjah has been registered in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As a beacon of knowledge and culture in the region, Sharjah is also known for some of the most outstanding museums in the Arab world, which have become major tourist draws. Apart from the cultural hotspots and outstanding museums, Sharjah offers family friendly beaches on both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah's east coast is particularly popular for water sports, snorkeling and diving, and families have the option to camp on the beach or stay in any of the motels and hotels that line the coast. — SG
