Morocco: Tourism revenues drop by half up to November

Morocco’s tourism revenues dropped by 51% in the first eleven months of last year under the impact of the pandemic and travel restrictions, the finance ministry said.

The drop was attenuated 76% a month earlier, thanks to arrivals by Moroccan expatriates.

In terms of arrivals however, Morocco registered only 142,000 tourists, down 82% compared to the same period last year. Most of the arrivals are Moroccans living abroad.

The summer peak season, in particular, was marred by a 98% drop in foreign tourists and 56% in residents.

Over 35% of tourism workers lost their jobs as well as revenue with a survey showing that revenue dropped by an average 80% at Moroccan tourism companies.

Morocco has kept its airspace closed except for some exceptional flights. Tourists are allowed in from the exceptional destinations provided they have a hotel reservation.