Rabat – Morocco’s tourism sector witnessed a remarkable recovery in the first seven months of 2023, with revenue reaching MAD 57.2 billion ($5.6 billion).
The data represents a substantial 50.9% increase compared to the same period in 2022, as reported by the Exchange Office’s monthly report on external trade indicators.
July in particular, marked a significant turning point for the country’s tourism industry, as revenues exceeded pre-pandemic numbers recorded in July 2019, reaching MAD 41.4 billion.
These numbers reflect Morocco’s commitment to reviving the country’s tourism sector following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Moroccan central bank, Bank Al-Maghrib, expressed its optimism regarding the sector’s future outlook. In its council meeting last month, the bank projected a 14.9% increase in travel revenue for this year, aiming to reach an impressive MAD 107.6 billion.
This forecast underlines Morocco’s determination to make a strong comeback and promote the country as a major tourist destination.
The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism has set ambitious goals for the industry, aiming to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026.
Simultaneously, Morocco seeks to generate around 200,000 direct and indirect job opportunities while targeting tourism revenue of MAD 120 billion, up from MAD 93 billion in 2022.
Earlier this year, the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) stressed its commitment to “support the ministry’s strategy, which aims to attract 17.5 million visitors in three years and place Morocco among the top 10 tourist destinations in the world by 2026.”
Morocco has long been a captivating tourist destination, known for its diverse culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes.
The country boasts a vibrant cultural heritage influenced by Arab, Amazigh, African and European traditions, which continues to attract travelers from around the world.