Casablanca – The tourism dynamics in Morocco during March and April 2024 revealed contrasting trends and outcomes, as evidenced by recent data from the Tourism Observatory and the Ministry of Tourism, Traditional Industry, Social Economy, and Solidarity.
March 2024 Overview:
Despite a 10% increase in arrivals at border posts, Morocco’s tourism sector encountered challenges in March 2024, experiencing a decline in both revenues and overnight stays. Overnight stays decreased by 5%, with tourist revenues totaling approximately 8.508 million MAD (about $878,144 USD), down from 9.055 million MAD (approximately $933,196 USD) in March 2023. This decline was mainly driven by a 12% decrease in domestic tourism, contrasting with a 6% increase in international tourism.
Key source markets displayed mixed performance during this period, with notable increases from France (12%) and Germany (55%), while the United States witnessed a decline of 16% in arrivals. Among top tourist destinations, Tangier saw a substantial 36% decrease in overnight stays, whereas Agadir stood out with a notable 15% increase. Despite the domestic tourism decline, overall arrivals for Q1 2024 grew by 13% to 3,298,047, with positive trends observed at major airports including Marrakech-Menara (+20%) and Agadir Al Massira (+24%).
The 5.1% decrease in foreign currency revenues compared to Q1 2023 underscored persistent challenges within the sector, partly attributed to the impact of Ramadan.
April 2024 Overview:
In contrast to March, April 2024 marked a significant turnaround for Moroccan tourism, with over 1.3 million tourists visiting the country, representing a notable 17% increase compared to April 2023. This growth was fueled by a 15% rise in foreign tourists and a 20% increase in Moroccans residing abroad.
The cumulative figures for January to April 2024 showed a 14% increase in total tourist arrivals, reaching 4.6 million visitors, with foreign tourists contributing significantly (15% increase compared to 2023). Foreign tourists accounted for 56% of total arrivals, indicating a positive shift in market composition.
Minister Fatima Zahra Amor expressed optimism about these results, anticipating promising prospects for the summer season of 2024. The ministry’s commitment to tourism roadmap programs aims to achieve an ambitious goal of welcoming 15.5 million tourists by the end of 2024 through strategic regional and national initiatives.
Comparative Analysis: March vs. April 2024:
March depicted challenges within Morocco’s tourism sector, marked by declines in revenues and overnight stays despite increased arrivals and contrasting performance among key source markets and destinations.
April showcased a remarkable recovery and growth in tourism, driven by strong increases in both foreign and Moroccan expatriate visitors. This positive turnaround reflects the efficacy of ongoing tourism initiatives and underscores the sector’s resilience and potential for future expansion.
The tourism sector in Morocco remains dynamic and responsive to seasonal, economic, and strategic factors, emphasizing the importance of adaptive strategies and continuous monitoring to optimize sector performance and enhance visitor experiences.
