AL QASBA, Sharjah’s leading tourist, cultural and entertainment destination, achieved a 14 per cent increase in the number of visitors which totalled 1,881,670 in 2011, compared to 1,650,110 in 2010, and also registered a 12.6 per cent rise in its total income.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, chief operations officer at Al Qasba Development Authority, said Al Qasba is considered one of the most important tourist and entertainment landmarks in the UAE and Sharjah after it strongly became a point of attraction due to the growing number of activities and events it organises throughout the year as well as due to its high-class tourist, leisure, cultural and artistic facilities, in addition to Al Qasba Business Centre and Multaqa Al Qasba, among others.”
He added that Al Qasba managed to occupy a leading position on the tourist map of the country and the region in a few years –a fact that is clearly manifested by the ongoing increase in the number of visitors and the growing turnout by investors to have a footing in this distinguished tourist destination which was recently ranked 8th among the top 10 most authentic Arab brands.
Al Qaseer pointed out that the unique design of Al Qasba’s buildings and its integrated family leisure and tourist facilities as well as the diversity of its unique attractions and activities have contributed significantly to increasing the number of visitors.
He explained that the latest figures show a huge increase in the number of visitors from the GCC countries, European Union and Russia, while UAE citizens and expatriate residents remain the largest segment of visitors.
Highlighting the importance of local and international promotion, Al Qaseer said the strategy adopted by the authority to promote Al Qasba in local and international arenas and various events, as well as the launch of promotions and offers throughout the year have contributed to drawing visitors from all over the world and ranking Al Qasba as one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the region.
A line-up of events and festivals will be held during the current year so as to continue to increase the number of visitors to Al Qasba, he added.