Morocco has experienced a very strong recovery since the opening of the borders in March 2022.

New data reveals that Morocco's tourism earnings in foreign currency reached 93.6 billion dirhams ($9.2 billion) by the end of 2022.

The head of the Government, Aziz Akhannouch, announced the new figure during a monthly plenary session of oral questions in Parliament, which focused on the "national tourism policy", saying that the new data represents an increase of 119% compared to 2019 .

Akhannouch highlighted that an upward trend continues in the Moroccan tourism industry, with a 17% increase in tourist arrivals in February 2023 compared to the same period in 2019.

The head of the Government noted that the country's tourism income in foreign currency reached 16 billion dirhams (1.5 billion dollars) in January and February of this year.

The revenue shows a recovery rate of 400% compared to the same period in 2022 and a recovery rate of 51% compared to the same period in 2019.

Income from domestic tourism has also increased significantly, he said, mentioning that the number of overnight stays [tourist accommodation] has doubled compared to 2021, exceeding 19 million, representing an increase of 192%.

“Morocco has experienced a very strong recovery since the opening of the borders in March 2022,” said Akhannouch, noting that between March and December 2022, Morocco received 11 million tourists, an increase of 292% and 391% compared to 2021 and 2020, respectively.

In just ten months, he continued, the sector has recovered 84% of tourists compared to 2019, a recovery rate higher than the world average, which is estimated at 63%.

“The government attaches special importance to the [tourism] sector as one of the drivers of economic growth and is working to implement an unprecedented recovery plan focused on supporting actors,” Akhannouch said.

Last month, Morocco launched the 2023-2026 roadmap, which aims to develop the country's tourism sector.

With allocated funding of Dh6 billion ($592.4 million), the roadmap aims to attract 17.5 million tourists, generate Dh120 billion ($11.8 billion) in revenue and create 200,000 new jobs. of work between now and 2026.

Source: MoroccoWorldNews