The UAE emirate of Sharja recorded an 11% increase in the number of tourist arrivals in the first half of this year, compared to the same period in 2009, according to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The majority of tourists (45%) entering Sharjah during the first half were from Europe, while 25% were from the GCC, 14% were from Asian countries, 11% were from other Arab countries, and the remaining 5% came from the Commonwealth, the US, Africa and the Pacific Region. The authority also said the emirate's 107 hotel establishments (41 hotels and 66 hotel apartments) reported a 70% hotel occupancy rate during the period.