Rabat – Morocco’s tourism sector is flourishing in the first half of 2023, with an impressive 86% year-on-year increase in overnight stays in classified tourist accommodation establishments (EHTC), according to data from the Tourism Observatory.
The growth in overnight stays is due to both non-resident and resident tourists. Non-resident tourists led the charge with a staggering 134% annual increase in overnight stays, while resident tourists also contributed significantly with a notable 25% increase.
Detailing the growth in overnight stays for tourists, the report explains that all major cities across Morocco reported positive results during the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year.
Marrakech, known for its vibrant culture and captivating charm, emerged as a front-runner with an astounding 115% increase in overnight stays. Agadir followed with an impressive 80% surge.
Other popular destinations included Casablanca with a 63% increase, Tangier with 58%, Fez with 75%, and Rabat with 49%.
The month of June 2023 proved to be pivotal, with overnight stays in EHTCs experiencing a noteworthy 23% increase compared to June 2022.
Non-resident tourists also played a significant role, contributing to the growth with a remarkable 34% increase in overnight stays. Meanwhile, resident tourists contributed with a commendable 6% increase.
The remarkable boost in tourism activity also had a significant impact on foreign currency earnings from non-resident tourist activity in Morocco. At the end of June 2023, foreign currency travel receipts amounted to MAD 47.9 billion ($4.7 billion), a substantial 69% year-on-year increase.
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