London, May 18, 2012 (MAP)
London, May 18, 2012 (MAP)
Morocco is looking for fresh ways to revitalize its tourism sector, a study by Oxford Business Group said on Friday.
It noted that the minister of tourism has suggested several alternative measures be taken this year to boost revenues and tourist arrivals.
“2012 will be a tough year but there won’t be a major drop in receipts. We may close 2012 (with receipts) at the same level we had in 2011 or with a minor increase,” the think tank quoted tourism minister Lahcen Haddad as saying.
He added that the state’s 2012 budget was based on a 2-3% rise in receipts.
OBG recalled that the sector saw receipts total Dh58.7bn last year.
While visitor numbers dropped by 6% after the first half of the year, domestic tourism grew by 13% and spending per visitor rose significantly, it said, adding that, in spite of the decreased flows of tourists, revenues actually increased, tallying up a growth of 4% by the end of the year.
Tourism comprises nearly 10% of GDP, employs an estimated 470,000 people, and is a vital source of foreign exchange currency, it underlined.
In the period from 2001 to 2010, the country succeeded in reaching 90% of government targets, accumulating revenue of €39bn, with the cities of Marrakech and Agadir becoming top destinations for European travelers, it highlighted.
