TravTalk India Online Magazine
In 2017, Sharjah recorded nearly 138,000 Indian overnights. While family travel is one of the most important segments for this emirate, Sharjah is targeting the growing potential of Indian outbound, and seeking new segments and cities in India to market the destination.
Ankita Saxena
According to Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Government of Sharjah, it is difficult to estimate the exact number of Indian tourist arrivals into Sharjah. He says, “UAE is a large country and there are no borders between the emirates. The visitors can drive from Abu Dhabi, Dubai or Ras Al Khaimah to Sharjah. However, we calculate the number of guests based on hotel reservations. In 2017, as many as 138,000 Indian guests stayed at various hotels in Sharjah and if this number is multiplied by a factor of 2.3, which is the average duration of stay of an Indian visitor in Sharjah then we can estimate that in 2017, Sharjah recorded as many as 317,400 Indian tourists.”
“A notable trend about family travel from India is the demand for edutainment. Indian families educate their children while on a holiday, and Sharjah is well equipped for the same”
Midfa believes that the Indian market is huge and also very competitive. The emirate is trying to showcase the destination and its identity in the Indian market while informing customers about various activities and experiences they can enjoy at the destination. He points out that family travel is a major segment from India to Sharjah but the destination offers a variety of products for other segments too like leisure, solo travellers, etc. He says, “A notable trend about family travel from India is the demand for edutainment. The Indian families hope to educate their children while on a holiday, and Sharjah is well equipped for the same as all the educational facilities and museums are suited for this segment. Festivals are also an important attraction in Sharjah. Light festival is an anchor event which showcases the destination and its products along with an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas across segments.”
In an effort to tap the potential of the Indian outbound market, Sharjah’s local representative office, Outbound Konnections, is responsible for closely monitoring the market in terms of new segments, well performing cities and other market trends. Midfa further adds, “The United Arab Emirates and India have shared a very close relationship for centuries now in terms of trade, commerce, culture and tourism as well and the two nationals are not strangers. However, there is scope for further development of theses relations. The UAE now offers a visa on arrival facility to Indian nationals who hold a UK, US or Schengen visa which is an important step forward in enhancing the experience of Indians visiting the country.”
