Arab tourists flow represents 17 percent of Morocco's tourist revenues
Morocco-Regional, Economics, 10/13/2004

Arab tourists flow to Morocco generates 3.2 billion Dhs (about US $355 million), i.e 17 percent of Morocco's overall tourism revenues, said Monday regional director of Morocco's national tourism office (ONMT), Taibi Khattab.

The Moroccan official, who was taking part in the Arab and international tourism exhibition held in the Lebanese capital, told MAP there is a constant increase of Arab tourists to Morocco despite the regional situation and the significant cut of the budget dedicated to advertising.

Khattab said Arab markets are the second source of revenues after Europe in the number of tourists and guest nights, respectively by 6pc and 4pc. These markets, he said, achieved an average growth of 2.16 percent compared to 2.4 percent for Europe.

On Arab investments, the Moroccan official said they exceeded 820.5 million Dhs (nearly US $91.1 million) in 2002, noting that Gulf countries contributed to Arab investments by 88 percent.

These investments represent 12 percent of foreign investments in Morocco, he said.

He said Casablanca is ranked first in terms of Arab tourists guest nights with 41 pc, followed by Agadir (30pc), Rabat (10pc), Marrakesh (8pc) and Tangier (4pc).

Over 69.6pc of Middle Eastern tourists, whose number trespassed 12.78 million at the international level, spend their holidays in Arab countries, he underlined, noting that their expenditure has reached over 13.5 billion Euro in 2002.

According to Khattab, Morocco attracts only 1.11pc of Arab tourists at the world level, 1.6 percent of Arab tourists visiting the Middle East and 11.36pc of Arab tourists visiting the African continent.

Previous Stories:
  Arab tourists earned Morocco $260 million in 2002   (5/3/2003)
  Morocco lay out new strategy to attract Arab tourists   (4/30/2003)
  More Arab tourists visit Morocco   (1/26/2002)

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