Morocco’s Tourism Rebounds: 34% Surge in Arrivals as Borders Reopen

The flow of arrivals increased by 34% at the end of 2021, for a total of more than 3.7 million tourists, notes the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF) in its latest economic report published on March 22. This development is explained by the increase in arrivals of Moroccans living abroad (MRE) of 77.9%, against a decrease in those of foreign tourists of 8.8%, after a respective decline of 76.7% and 80% a year earlier. It should be noted that since the reopening of Moroccan borders on February 7 last, the tourism sector is regaining its colors. The number of passengers welcomed in national airports during the period from February 7 to 28 is around 660,045 passengers, of which 50% are international travelers. Air traffic has thus recovered 72% of its level during the same period in 2019.

With the programming of several routes from the emitting markets both in Europe and in America or the Middle East and the expected arrival of Israeli tourists, the recovery of tourism activity for the 2022 season looks promising. Airlines like Air France, Ryanair, EasyJet and Iberia are making a strong comeback in Morocco. The recent international tour of the ONMT is also bearing fruit. Various tour operators and industry players have made considerable commitments. Not to mention the air capacity development plans to be put in place to double the current objectives by 2023-2024, i.e. capacities of more than 200,000 tourists.