Rabat – Morocco’s tourism revenues have risen to MAD 14.62 billion ($1.5 billion) during the month of April, more than double the total of MAD 6.54 billion ($668 million) during the same period in 2021.
Yet, the current boom still leaves Morocco’s tourism sector worse-off than before the pandemic. According to the Office des Changes, this figure is a 36.3% decrease from April 2019, and a 22.1% decrease from 2020.
Tourist spending has increased since last year by more than 50%, reaching MAD 4.22 billion ($431 million) in comparison to MD 2.73 billion ($278 million) in 2021.
The Directorate of Treasury and External Finance announced earlier this year that Morocco welcomed 1.5 million tourists in the first four months of 2022, noting signs of a rebound in the sector following the difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While current numbers are lagging behind pre-pandemic days, Morocco’s government hopes that the sector will be revitalized with the easing of travel requirements, the return of Moroccans residing abroad (MREs), and the Marhaba 2022 campaign.
Operation Marhaba is an annual campaign that aims to facilitate the return of Moroccans to their country for summer vacation; the logistical operation lasts between June and September.
The tourism sector is on track to recover from the losses it sustained over the past two years, as recent figures from the Ministry of Tourism show a gradual recovery.
With the start of summer vacations, and continued publicity for Morocco as a tourist destination, the summer 2022 season is expected to show further improvement for the sector.
Recently, Morocco’s National Tourism Office launched its “Morocco, the Land of Light” campaign to promote the country as a coveted tourist destination in countries like France, the UK, and the US.
Read also: ONMT’s ‘Tea in the Kasbah’ Event Celebrates the Delegation’s Last Stop in the Light Tour
