H2 visitors to the emirate of Sharjah increased by 9%, following a 15% decline in the first half of 2009, according to a report by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. 'The total number of guests staying in the emirate's hotels and hotel apartments was down to 1,447,934 in 2009, a 6% decline compared to the 1,535,234 guests reported in 2008,' the report said.