The inauguration of major tourism facilities and projects in Sharjah’s Tourist and Hospitality Sector, during the last year reflects a robust and resilient economy, according to a statement made on Thursday by the emirate’s tourism office.
Comparing the first half of 2022 to the same period in 2021, there was huge growth and expansion.
This was disclosed at the Sheraton Sharjah Resort & Spa during the annual meeting of hoteliers hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, Sheikh Salem bin Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of SCTDA, and other officials attended the gathering of hotel owners, operators, and staff members.
In the first half of 2022, the number of hotel guests increased by 12% as compared to the same period in the previous year, and occupancy reached 66%, reflecting an increase of about 1%, according to data from the tourist and hospitality sector.
In the first half of the year, hotel earnings were more than Dh200 million, according to the SCTDA, a 50% rise from the same period in 2021. Additionally, hotels reported a 46% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) to Dh136, led by an increase in average daily rates (ADR) of around 20% to Dh202.
The emirate boasts more than 100 hotels with about 10,000 rooms, according to data provided by SCTDA. These include 39 hotel-apartment complexes with 2,000 or more rooms, 12 5-star hotels with 12 or more rooms, 20 4-star hotels with 2,300 or more rooms, 33 hotels with one to three stars, and 2,400 or more rooms.