According to a report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Morocco is ranked 7th country most affected by the covid-19 crisis with regard to its tourism industry.
On a list of 15 countries, the Moroccan tourism industry is the 7th most affected by the covid-19 crisis. In its report entitled “Covid-19 and tourism: access to economic consequences”, UNCTAD forecasts a negative variation of 5% in Moroccan GDP linked to tourism in the case of a moderate scenario.
On a global scale, the United Nations Trade and Development Organization has warned that the loss could reach $2.2 trillion or 2.8% of GDP if the suspension of international tourism lasts eight months, in line with the expected decline in tourism predicted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), reads the UNCTAD note.
In the most pessimistic scenario, losses would amount to $3.3 trillion or 4.2% of global GDP with a 12-month disruption to international tourism.
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In addition, the massive drop in tourist arrivals has also left a growing number of skilled and unskilled workers unemployed or with less income.
Concerning the variation in unskilled employment (in % variation), Morocco would appear in 9th position with a drop of 6% for the moderate scenario, 8% for the intermediate and 10% for the spectacular.
Wages for skilled jobs would have been depreciated by 5% in the moderate scenario for Morocco, thus placing itself in 11th position in this category (-7% for the intermediate scenario and -9% for the spectacular).
Some labor and capital can be employed in other sectors, although most capital is not easily transferable. It will be difficult for many workers to find employment in other economic sectors that are also in decline, the report says.
In addition to inbound tourism spending, tourism also has indirect effects on the economy. Labor linked to the tourism sector as well as capital (ports and airports), but also a multitude of intermediate inputs such as services, education, food, alcohol and domestic travel.
In Morocco, in a moderate scenario, these indirect consequences would be felt by a 55% drop in recreational and other services; as much for accommodation, catering and services. The report also anticipates a drop of 5% for housing, 2% for trade, construction, financial services and insurance, air transport and communications. Losses for beverages and tobacco products would amount to 1% and 0.8% for a few selected sectors. No variation for water and electricity as well as motor vehicles and parts.
To conclude, UNCTAD invites governments to protect workers by strengthening social protection in countries affected by the crisis and thus prevent populations dependent on tourism from suffering excessive economic difficulties. This takes the form of wage subsidies, aid to tourism businesses at risk of bankruptcy and support from the international community to access financing.
source: h24info.ma
