Chinese Tourist Arrivals in Morocco Plummet 40% in Early 2019

In comparable data, the number of visitors from the land of the rising sun has fallen by 40% compared to the same period in 2018, with only 60,000 tourists recorded in the first four months. It appears, according to specialists in the sector, that the market is regaining its cruising speed, after the surge recorded during the two previous years following the lifting of visas, reported Médias24 a few days ago.

The forecasts of the Ministry of Tourism, Air Transport, Crafts and Solidarity Economy spoke of 500,000 Chinese visitors by 2020. If industry professionals estimate the number of Chinese tourists in 2019 at 200,000, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to consider such a goal in 2020.

It must be admitted that even the opening of a direct air link between Casablanca and Beijing (negotiations with the Chinese authorities are still ongoing) could not make up for this huge difference. Even less the informal sector which continues to hinder the natural development of the market, in the absence of firm, precise regulation, the same source said.

In the meantime, the solution could come from Turkish Airlines, which plans to open a direct Beijing-Marrakech line. With its 25 daily connections to China, Turkish Airlines will have the privilege of providing a breath of fresh air to this market, relaunching the development of its potential already initiated in 2017 and 2018.