Morocco tourism

The Kingdom of a Thousand Kingdoms. The spirit of Morocco finds full expression in art. A country of artisans, even everyday objects are rendered with extraordinary craftsmanship. Markets are full of exquisite carpets, leather goods, brass wares and embroidery work of beauty and fine quality. Tourism is one of the fastest-growing areas of the economy of Morocco and a valuable foreign exchange earner. There were 4,113,037 tourists in 2000 with receipts totaling about $2 billion. The number of rooms available in pensions, holiday villages and hotels was 66,823, with 128,357 beds and an occupancy rate of 48%.

In 2006, the government of Morocco was much excited about the development of tourism in their country. Tourism authorities reported a “record” increase in the number of tourists. Only a few years ago, the Moroccan government has launched what it described as “Vision 2010”, a broad-based policy to almost double the number of visitors to the country by the end of the decade. There are encouraging signs that “Vision 2010” could become a reality, with a sizeable rise in hard currency income from tourism in 2006. Most tourists to Morocco are still coming from France, Spain and Belgium. The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism attributed this growth the "the results in the traditional markets, especially France citizens who share a common language and maintain historic ties to the Maghreb."
The growth in tourist arrivals also is because of large ongoing investments in the sector throughout Morocco. The especially large growth during this year further was explained by the recent commercialization and air transport agreements signed between charter operators in France and Morocco, according to sources in the Ministry of Rabat. The proliferation of Europe-based discount airlines such as Ryan Air and Easy Jet has made travel to Morocco increasingly cost effective for European holiday travelers. Furthermore, the search for new markets has pushed developing countries such as Morocco to the forefront of Western tourism markets and made them fashionable travel destinations. At the same time, capacity had increased in Morocco.

According to a Morocco property expert, Property Borders, foreign investment in the country is already at an all time high and 10 million tourists are expected to visit annually by 2010. Many travel accommodation professionals and real investment advisors report that property in Morocco is also showing impressive returns. A record number of Britons are buying property and experiencing capital gains of more than 20% per year.

Most visitors require passports but not visas for stays of less than three months. Coastal beach resorts offer excellent boating and swimming facilities. Sports associations are widespread, particularly for swimming, soccer, basketball, tennis and boxing. Marrakech and Casablanca are favorite tourist destinations.

Morocco is a very safe country with an ancient tradition of hospitality so travelers feel very welcome and secure. The physical beauty and cultural brilliance together with an extensive tourist infrastructure of exquisite modern hotels, and resorts; world class golf courses and excellent guides makes Morocco one of the most exciting and fulfilling travel destinations in the world.

Author: Latifa Malik