Worrying drop in arrivals and overnight stays for non-residents during the same period
The month of August recorded rather mixed results in terms of arrivals at airports and overnight stays in hotels. Considered a high season, this period nevertheless saw a worrying decline. This is what emerges from the latest figures communicated by the National Tourism Observatory for the month of August. In detail, the data communicated by the General Directorate of National Security show that the number of tourist arrivals at border crossings during the month of August 2019 saw a drop of -1% compared to that of 2018 (+11.3% for TES and -7.6% for MRE). “The main source markets recorded mixed results. Indeed, Belgium, Spain and Germany recorded declines of -5 and -4 and -3% respectively.
While other markets recorded increases, in this case the United Kingdom (+8%) and the United States (+6%)”, explains the same source. It seems that domestic tourists helped save the month of August with performances that still remain on an upward trend. The gap between resident and non-resident tourists continues to widen. According to data communicated by tourist accommodation professionals, the volume of nights in classified establishments increased by +4% in August 2019, compared to that of 2018 (-1% for non-resident tourists and +12% for residents). The Observatory explains to us that certain destinations recorded double-digit growth during the period in question. These are mainly seaside towns as well as those with a significant offer in terms of shopping and entertainment.
That said, traditional tourist destinations are not left out. “At the geographical level, the destinations of Rabat, Tetouan and Casablanca recorded an increase in terms of overnight stays of +23, +31 and +14% respectively. Also, Marrakech and Tangier experienced increases of +5% and +6% respectively”, we learned from those responsible for the Observatory. Overall, the performance of the tourism sector shows green lights. “During the first eight months of 2019, the volume of arrivals at border crossings increased by +6.4% compared to the same period in 2018 (+8.7% for TES and +4% for MRE).
All the main source markets showed increases during this period: Italy (+10%), the United Kingdom (+8%), France (+8%), Germany (+7%), Spain (+6%), Holland (+6%), and Belgium (+6%)”, explains the same source. And to conclude:“At the end of August 2019, total nights spent in classified tourist accommodation establishments recorded an increase of +5.3% compared to the same period of 2018 (+3.3% for non-resident tourists and +9.8% for residents). The two tourist centers Marrakech and Agadir alone generated 57% of total overnight stays at the end of August 2019. These two destinations recorded positive results (+8% for Marrakech and +2% for Agadir). Tetouan, Tangier and Oujda also showed good performances (+28, +10 and +11% respectively). Finally, the statistics for the last quarter will be eagerly awaited. And for good reason. The announcement of the bankruptcy of the famous British tour operator Thomas Cook was a real shock wave for world tourism.
The sector at the national level risks being impacted even if those responsible assure that the damage will remain limited. “A historic partner of the ONMT, Thomas Cook has been present in Morocco for several decades. However, like other major so-called “classic” tourist operators, Thomas Cook has seen its market share in Morocco shrink year after year, to the benefit of new entrants, notably online tour operators. Despite this, Thomas Cook was among the main players in international tourism in Morocco.
Its contractual objective with the ONMT in 2019 was set at 102,000 customers in all markets, with the establishment of 50,000 air charter seats dedicated exclusively to its British and Belgian customers”, explained the ONMT in a press release. The same source indicated that “Thomas Cook’s operational shutdown taking effect on September 23 therefore puts an end to this contract and this situation risks losing a few thousand customers in Morocco for this year 2019, since on that date, the tour operator had already achieved 60% of its objectives in terms of customers and 90% of its air seat objectives”.
source: today.ma
