UAE tourism is growing, even as the world tourism industry suffers one of its sharpest drops ever, in the wake of the September 11 events and the ongoing world economic recession.
The UAE has devoted great efforts over several years into building up its tourism potential. This effort has paid off, as tourism in the year 2000 picked up despite a worldwide recession and the effects of the September 11 attacks. Due to its location, geography, weather and traditions, the UAE has immense potential for a large and highly profitable tourism industry.
The Emirate of Sharjah is putting a lot of efforts to this end with positive results. The year 2000 saw an healthy 70 percent increase in the numbers of tourist to reach 743,439 tourist, while the number of guest nights increase 31 percent to reach 533,000. Yet the average room occupancy registered only 50.9 percent. It should be noted that the total number of hotel rooms in Sharjah is 2,712, located in the Emirate’s 23 hotels.
The government is also promoting the employment of UAE nationals in this sector, which demands large numbers of workers. (www.albawaba.com)
