Sharjah set to launch sightseeing bus tours

Tourism chiefs in Sharjah have announced plans to launch bus tours around the city after signing an agreement with tour operator City Sightseeing.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said Sharjah would become the latest destination for City Sightseeing's signature red double-decker buses.

The tour provider already has a presence on five continents and about 100 top tourism destinations, a statement said.

The addition of a tour bus service comes in line with Shurooq's commitment to add value to Sharjah's tourism experience.

Shurooq said it will soon be disclosing full details of the planned bus tour route and ticket prices.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) was established in 2009 as an independent government body tasked with stimulating business activity and encouraging investment in the emirate.

Sharjah saw a marginal increase in international tourists in 2011, according to figures released by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority.

The emirate recorded 1,562,869 guests last year compared to 1,556,885 arrivals the previous year.

The SCTDA statistics for 2011 also showed an increase in the occupancy rate of the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments, rising to 76 percent.

Sharjah's hotels received 843,676 guests in 2011 compared to 774,651 guests in 2010 while visitors to hotel apartments fell from 782,234 to 719,193, a statement said.