ANSAmed
Tourism revenue in Morocco rose 6.6% to about one billion euros in the first quarter of 2016, the country’s tourism board in Italy reported on Monday. March alone, which marks the start of the high season, saw +16% with revenue of about 420 million euros.
Italy remains the fifth largest country contributor with a 1% rise in arrivals in the first quarter. The destinations of Casablanca and Tangiers rose by 6% and 5%, while Marrakech and Agadir accounted for a total of 60% of overnight stays.
The results consolidate the outlook for recovery in the industry this year, which say arrivals will rise by 2%, revenue by 2% and jobs in the sector by 2%. Marrakech remains the top destination and has recently ben included in the top 20 places to shop in the world by Expedia, while Skyscanner has named Jemaa El Fna one of the most beautiful squares in the world. Marrakech is also still an investment hub for well-known hotel chains and large events. The 22nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) will be held in Marrakech between November 7 and 18, thanks to which the city will become more environmentally friendly, with a biogas plant for electricity and photovoltaic panels able to generate 1 MW.
