2024 Sharjah Tourism Roadshow Concludes Successfully, Offering Experiential Cultural Travel Options
On August 23, the 2024 Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) China Roadshow concluded successfully in Shanghai.
Led by H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of SCTDA, the Sharjah delegation—comprising representatives from the tourism authority, local destination management companies (DMCs), hotels, and Emirates Airline—wrapped up the final leg of the roadshow following successful events in Beijing and Chengdu.
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Director of SCTDA, speaks to the media.
According to event data, Sharjah saw an 8% year-on-year increase in Chinese tourist arrivals in 2023. In the first half of 2024, the number of Chinese visitors surged fivefold compared to the same period last year, accounting for 56% of all tourists from the Far East. The impressive growth of the Chinese travel market has surpassed expectations, with the UAE's visa-free policy for Chinese tourists playing a crucial role in boosting travel enthusiasm. This positive momentum fuels optimism for continued growth in Chinese visitor numbers over the coming months.
Mr. Khalid Al Mansoori, Manager of the Overseas Promotion Department at SCTDA, delivers the welcome speech.
Ms. Amber Gao, Head of Division - Asia Market at SCTDA, presents Sharjah’s unique tourism offerings.
Ms. Amber Gao, Head of Division - Asia Market at SCTDA, provided Shanghai’s travel industry professionals with an in-depth look at Sharjah’s tourism resources. As an emerging travel destination in the Middle East, Sharjah is renowned for its educational tours, cultural experiences, and immersive activities. The emirate has not only enhanced existing attractions and facilities but also launched a variety of new projects.
Key highlights include the "Heart of Sharjah," one of the largest heritage preservation initiatives in the Middle East, offering activities such as traditional Arabic costume experiences and Arabian dessert-making classes. She also spotlighted the popular Rain Room, Sharjah’s many museums, and the Sharjah Safari, the largest safari park outside of Africa.
Additionally, Ms. Gao introduced unique accommodation options like the luxurious The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah—a five-star heritage hotel blending Arabian history with modern luxury. She also highlighted the Najd Al Maqsar Heritage Village in Khorfakkan, an eco-tourism destination on the East Coast that merges ancient human settlements with contemporary comforts. These culturally rich and immersive lodging experiences captivated the interest of Shanghai’s travel professionals.
Group photo of participants at the Sharjah Tourism Roadshow in Shanghai.
In Sharjah, everyone can discover their own unique experiences! With the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday in China, Sharjah, the UAE’s third-largest emirate and the “Cultural Capital of the Arab World”, is poised to become a top destination for Chinese travelers seeking in-depth cultural tours and unforgettable adventures.
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