15% increase in hotel guests and 86% in hotel occupancy

Announced yesterday, the report shows a significant increase in hotel guests visiting Sharjah during the first six months of this year. With a 15% increase, the 61 hotels accommodated 634,281guests in 2005 as compared to 550,731 guests in 2004.

According to the report, hotel room nights also seen a noticeable 21% increase as Sharjah hotel guests spent 718,679 nights in the first half of this year compared to 592,105 nights in 2004. The total hotel occupancy rate has also increased to 88% at the first half of this year compared to 86% last year.

"As a very accurate measurement tool, this report is highly significant in giving a real indication of the way we should perform our business. It is the solid platform on which we build our future marketing strategies," Said Mohamed A. Al Noman, Director of SCTDA, commenting on the report.

"Reading through the numbers, we can feel the great impact of the GCC tourism markets on Sharjah. Three years ago, our initial plan was to attract 10% on the outbound GCC tourism sector. By organizing Sharjah Summer and Spring promotions and promoting special holiday packages as part of our tourism focused road shows, Sharjah is now on the list of GCC tourist places -to visit."

"Sharjah has so many facilities to offer, from the 24 state-of-the-art museums, as well as cricket, water sports and nature reserves. And don't forget the popular pastime of shopping - we have recently seen a boom in shopping malls, with plenty of international designer names available, as well as the traditional souqs. Above all, the family focus is a theme that runs throughout the city," he concludes.