Morocco’s tourism revenues up 179.1% by end of July

The Department of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) estimates that by the end of July 2022 Moroccan tourism receipts will have climbed by 179.1% and will amount to 36.7 billion dirhams.

The DEPF explains in its business note of September 2022 that this performance is a result of the various measures implemented to revitalize the sector, including the reopening of international borders, and that, in comparison to the pre-crisis level, the recovery rate of tourism receipts has reached 88.4%.

Nearly 3.4 million tourists had arrived during the first half of 2022, an increase of 303.4% from the year before and a reduction of 57.3% from the previous year.

At the end of June 2022, there were 6.2 million nights spent in accommodations that were classified, an increase of 128.9% from the previous year.

Arrivals and overnight stays were approximately 63% and over 54% higher at the end of June 2022 than they were at the pre-crisis level (end of June 2019).

Tourism revenue was nevertheless much higher as of July 2022 than it was prior to the crisis. They grew by 17.8% in comparison to July 2019.

The massive influx of Moroccans living abroad during this summer was considered a breath of fresh air and an opportunity to revitalize the national economy, particularly the tourism sector.

The presence of the diaspora is concretely noted in several cities of the Kingdom, particularly during this summer period. This influx is due in particular to the smooth running of the Marhaba operation, facilitating the transit of MREs between Spain and Morocco.

A total of 32 ships have been mobilized on all the maritime lines linking Moroccan ports to Spanish, French and Italian ports. These ships have a total capacity of about 478,000 passengers and 123,000 cars, through 571 weekly trips.