“Although we are still in the consolidation phase of all the indicators, the preliminary data for the 2024 summer season show a positive balance sheet,” said Ms. Ammor in an interview with MAP.
The month of July 2024 was particularly remarkable, with 2.6 million tourists welcomed, the minister said. This is a spectacular increase of 20% compared to July 2023, or 424,000 additional entries, she said, noting that this growth concerns both Moroccans residing abroad – MRE (+23%) and foreign tourists (+14%).
At the same time, Ms. Ammor noted that these positive performances are also reflected in the attendance of classified tourist accommodation establishments (EHTC) in several regions of the Kingdom.
“During the July-August period, the Souss-Massa region recorded an 8% increase in overnight stays and 4% in arrivals at EHTCs. The North, including Tangier, Assilah and Mdiq-Fnideq, posted a 12% increase in overnight stays and 11% in arrivals. Marrakech, true to its reputation, also recorded a 6% increase in overnight stays and 8% in arrivals,” she detailed.
The minister also highlighted the emergence of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab as a rising destination for seaside tourism and board sports, during this 2024 summer season, with a significant increase of 32% in arrivals and 5% in overnight stays.
In the Oriental region, July was below expectations, but the situation partially recovered in August, with an encouraging 5% increase in overnight stays in EHTCs and 3% in arrivals compared to August 2023, noted Ms. Ammor.
These results highlight the growing attractiveness of Morocco as a popular destination, reflecting the effectiveness of the initiatives implemented within the framework of the tourism roadmap, she said.
And to support: “Beyond simple figures and statistics, these data demonstrate the tangible impact of the tourism sector on the Moroccan economy, resulting in the creation of jobs, the development of regions and the stimulation of economic activity as a whole.”
As for the outlook, Ms. Ammor indicated that it looks promising, as it is based on a well-thought-out national strategy, supported by concrete measures and targeted investments planned within the framework of the 2025 Finance Bill (PLF), as well as the catalytic effect of major international events.
2024-09-05 11:13:28