Morocco has the fastest tourism growth rate in North Africa
Morocco’s tourism is doing well in spite of the global economic turmoil as Eight million tourists visited the country in 2008, a 7% growth compared to 2007, it has been revealed.
Morocco has the fastest tourism growth rate in North Africa and has recorded a phenomenal growth in tourism in 2008.The official Figures released by Morocco’s tourism ministry revealed that the most important source market for Morocco was France, which sent 2.6mn tourists. Spain was second, with 1.43mn, followed by Belgium (392,000), the UK (387,000), and Italy (333,000) the Netherlands (325,000) and Germany (182,000). Tourism revenue for the Jan-Nov period was MAD54.1bn (US$6.6bn). The tourism sector contributed approximately 10% to the country’s GDP - making it the second largest foreign exchange contributor after phosphates.
The Ministry of Tourism has also drafted a new plan at keeping Morocco attractive to tourists – called CAP 2009 – as new strategic measures has been adopted to anticipate and limit the impact of the global financial and economic situation on the sector. Tourism is now increasingly focused on Morocco’s evocative cultural offerings which include ancient Roman and Islamic sites, the imperial cities, Marrakech and Casablanca - along with various beach resorts. Over 60% of visitors to Morocco visit to experience the country’s unique culture and heritage.
Mohammed Boussaid, Morocco’s tourism minister in an interview with Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa suggested that the global credit crunch might even be of benefit to Morocco.
“I am convinced that our country can profit from the current economic crisis,” he told the news provider. Mr. Boussaid said he expected European travelers would choose morocco which is closer to home due to their budgetary constraints.
This suggests that property investment in Morocco could be a profitable venture as demand for rental accommodation from tourists is likely to remain high.
According to Business Monitor International, Morocco’s tourism industry will remain buoyant as the country enjoys political stability, which is rare in the Islamic world.
Popularity: 21% [?]
