Rabat – In the first 10 months of 2023, Morocco generated a tourism revenue of MAD 88.5 billion, or $8.96 billion – reflecting a strong industrial growth in the sector.
Statistics from the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) said that the revenue witnessed an annual increase of 20.7% compared to the previous year and 32% compared to the end of 2019.
The revenues were strengthened by 22.1% for October 2023 alone, compared to their pre-crisis level.
The directorate also shared data of the number of arrivals in Morocco, which it said reached a new record at the end of November.
Specifically, the country recorded 13.2 million arrivals at the end of the 11th month of 2023, with the sector surpassing the record set at the end of 2019 (12.9 million arrivals).
At the end of October, Morocco welcomed a record of 12.3 million tourists, after recording a flow of 8.8 million a year earlier.
“The volume of these arrivals strengthened on an annual basis by 39%,” the directorate said.
Compared to November 2022, the arrivals volume increased by 36% despite the Al Haouz earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, killing nearly 3,000 people.
The development is attributed to the strong presence of foreign tourists, representing 46% of the arrivals and Moroccan expatriates, with 26%.
Overnight stays in classified accommodation establishments increased also on an annual basis by 42% at the end of October 2023. This was supported by the growth in non-resident stays.
The performance benefited all major destinations, notably including Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca, Tangier, Fez, and Rabat.
This reflected a recovery rate of overnight stays compared to the pre-crisis levels, the directorate said.
Overnight stays increased by 15% for October, and by 4.6% compared to October 2019.
