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Join on Telegram Rabat – COVID-19 restrictions cost Morocco’s tourism sector MAD 12.3 billion or nearly $1.30 billion in the first four months in 2021, says a new report by the country’s Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts (DEPF).
The DEPF report indicates that the trend of decline in tourism revenues continued at the end of April. The decline represented a drop of 65.7% or MAD 12.3 billion after a decline of 18.1% a year ago.
While the number of arrivals decreased at the end of the first two months this year by 81.5%, the decrease was remarkable among both foreign tourists and Moroccans residing abroad.
Overnight stays at hotels and hostels also decreased by 78.1%.
The DEPF shared similar statistics throughout 2020 and earlier this year, attributing Morocco’s declining tourism revenues to the persistence of the COVID-19 economic crisis.
In April, the DEPF said Morocco’s tourism figures dropped by 65% in January and February compared to an increase of 14.9% during the same period in 2020.
The industry continued to suffer heavy blows due to movement restrictions and the closure of borders.
Taking into account its largely encouraging vaccination campaign against COVID-19, Morocco decided in recent weeks to introduce advanced lockdown easing measures.
The measures entailed the resumption of international flights to and from Morocco under special conditions, notably the epidemiological situation in travelers’ countries of origin or departure.
Morocco also eased movement restrictions, moving its night curfew from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The government also reopened public spaces – parks, swimming pools, movie theaters, cultural centers, and beaches – under conditions, including.
However, the government continues to warn citizens to follow all the preventive measures, including the wearing of masks in public and social distancing.
Despite the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions, Morocco’s general state of emergency, which was initially declared in March 2020, is still in order. The measure is set to expire on July 10, although many expect the government to yet again extend it.
Meanwhile, government officials and health experts have justified Morocco’s cautious approach by warning that further laxity could lead to the deterioration of the epidemiological situation across the North African country.
To date, the country has recorded 526, 737 COVID-19 cases, including 513, 898 recoveries and 9,244 deaths.
