MOROCCO TOURISM INDUSTRY SURPASSED GLOBAL LEVEL

In the post-Covid-19 era, governments worldwide are working to revitalize the tourism industry. Morocco’s tourism, a critical sector of the country’s socio-economic development, is now bouncing back, with a recovery rate of nearly 80%.

Answering questions at the House of Councillors, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social Economy Fatima Zahra Ammor highlighted that Morocco’s tourism recovery rate reached 80% at the end of October 2022 exceeding the global level, which stands at 70%.

Ammor also noted that the country’s tourism revenues in foreign currency rose to 103% at the end of September, compared to pre-COVID times in 2019.

Internal tourism revenues have also increased significantly, she said, mentioning that the number of overnight stays [tourist accommodation] has increased from 30% before the pandemic, to 45% as of late September.

The minister recalled that the government approved MAD 2 billion ($186 million) to support the recovery of the tourism sector, which was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. 

In addition, MAD 1 billion ($93 million) was devoted to the rehabilitation of hotel units, Ammor explained that this initiative has positively affected the sector. 

In June, the number of tourists traveling to Morocco reached a total of 3.4 million. The number has quadrupled compared to the same period in 2021, while still representing only 63% of arrivals recorded in pre-covid 2019.

Morocco was recently ranked as the eighth most popular travel destination for 2023, ahead of Egypt, Thailand, Jordan, and Mexico.

SOURCE: Moroccoworldnews