Sharjah targets Chinese tourists and investors

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority hosted meetings with investors and members of the Chinese tourism industry at the Beijing International Tourism Expo 2013 in a bid to develop stronger relations with the country and boost tourism.

SCTDA chairman Mohamed Ali Al Noman said: “Chinese interest in Sharjah’s tourism sector and the economy is growing by the day which is reflected in the significant growth of the number of Asian tourists and investments in the emirate.

"This places greater responsibility on all stake holders in Sharjah’s tourism sector to step up their efforts to take advantage of these growing opportunities and markets.”

Sharjah welcomed 227,554 Chinese and Far Eastern tourists in 2012, representing 13% of the emirate’s total tourist population. The amount increased slightly to 14% in the first quarter of 2013.

Stating that China is the largest and fastest growing tourism and economic market in the world, Al Noman said it is important for stakeholders in Sharjah to exploit and build on the potential and opportunity the country offers.

Chinese investments in Sharjah crossed AED 100 million (US $27.2 million) in 2012, with more than 120 Chinese companies specialising in building materials, furniture, clothes and fabrics, electronic and chemical industries now operating in the emirate.

The emirate hosts a dedicated exhibition for Chinese products and companies and recently opened the China Town Centre development, which features over 200 stores stocking products from more than 300 Chinese companies and factories.