Sharjah boosts India tourism links with 2025 Mumbai Delhi roadshow

Photo:WAM

Sharjah has completed its 2025 promotional tour in India with successful events held in two of the country’s biggest cities—Mumbai and New Delhi. The roadshow, organized in early September, was designed to strengthen Sharjah’s presence in the Indian tourism market and build closer partnerships with major Indian travel companies.

The visit included two exclusive gatherings at well-known hotels—St. Regis in Mumbai on September 3 and Leela Palace in New Delhi on September 5. Both events brought together nearly 90 tourism and business partners in each city, along with several media representatives in New Delhi. The tour was supported by important Sharjah partners, such as airlines, travel agencies, hotels, and investment authorities, who joined the delegation to present the emirate’s latest tourism offerings.

Focus on Indian Tourists

India has long been one of Sharjah’s top tourism markets. According to officials, the number of Indian visitors to Sharjah has grown quickly in recent years. In just the first seven months of 2025, the emirate welcomed nearly 130,000 Indian hotel guests—an increase of around 38% compared to the same period in 2024, when 94,000 guests visited. This sharp rise shows how attractive Sharjah has become for Indian travelers, who are looking for family-friendly experiences, cultural attractions, nature adventures, shopping, and entertainment.

Officials explained that such growth is the result of continuous efforts by Sharjah’s tourism authority and its partners, who design travel packages to match the interests of Indian visitors. Whether it is desert adventures, cultural heritage sites, luxury hotels, or modern entertainment, Sharjah is offering a wide variety of options for tourists.

Strategic Partnerships in India

During the roadshow, Sharjah announced new strategic partnerships with four major Indian travel companies—Royal Tours, Riya Holidays, Thrillophila, and TravClan. These collaborations are expected to boost travel bookings and allow more Indian tourists to discover Sharjah.

In addition, Sharjah launched direct promotional campaigns with leading digital platforms such as Amazon and Inshorts. These campaigns aim to raise awareness among Indian consumers by highlighting Sharjah’s new tourism identity, called “Visit Sharjah”, which focuses on showcasing the emirate as a destination filled with culture, natural beauty, and modern attractions.

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Interactive Tourism Experiences

The events were not limited to speeches and presentations. To give Indian partners a real taste of what Sharjah offers, the roadshow included interactive experiences such as digital displays and virtual reality (VR) headsets. These tools allowed travel agents and business representatives to experience Sharjah’s main attractions virtually—such as its golden deserts, family entertainment zones, cultural landmarks, and coastal escapes.

Why India Matters to Sharjah

India is not only close in distance but also deeply connected through trade, culture, and travel. With millions of Indians traveling abroad every year, Sharjah sees India as a strategic market that can fuel the growth of its tourism industry. In 2024, more than 172,000 Indian tourists stayed in Sharjah’s hotels, and the trend continues to rise in 2025.

The growing numbers prove that Sharjah’s efforts to market itself in India are paying off. By working closely with Indian travel agencies and strengthening its presence on digital platforms, the emirate is positioning itself as a unique alternative to traditional tourist destinations. It offers cultural depth, family comfort, and natural experiences that attract modern travelers looking for more than just shopping and nightlife.

Statement from Officials

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah’s Tourism Authority, highlighted the importance of India, calling it one of Sharjah’s strongest and fastest-growing markets. He stressed that direct engagement through roadshows and events is essential to keep the momentum going. He also pointed out that the authority is committed to building long-term partnerships that will ensure Indian visitors continue to see Sharjah as a preferred destination.

The Bigger Picture

This roadshow reflects Sharjah’s wider tourism strategy, which is focused on making the emirate a global hub for cultural, family, and nature-based tourism. By increasing its international presence, Sharjah aims to compete with other regional tourism hotspots while offering travelers a unique mix of history, tradition, and modern hospitality.

With interactive promotions, new partnerships, and strong visitor numbers, Sharjah’s India roadshow is seen as an important step in strengthening tourism ties between the emirate and one of the world’s largest travel markets.