Top Resa Tourism 2013 Strong Moroccan presence: The French market represents 35% of overall arrivals and 28% of overnight stays.

Essential for national tourism, the French market alone represents 35% of overall arrivals and 28% of overnight stays. France therefore remains the main source market for tourists to Morocco. In 2012, Morocco welcomed 3,297,000 French visitors.

Essential for national tourism, the French market alone represents 35% of overall arrivals and 28% of overnight stays. France therefore remains the main source market for tourists to Morocco. In 2012, Morocco welcomed 3,297,000 French visitors.
In view of the economic and social situation still in difficulty in France, a drop of 3% was recorded for the period between January and July 2013. Morocco thus welcomed 1,898,000 French visitors. A recovery is expected during the rest of the year (last half year) given indications which predict an increase in arrivals of 7%.

Marrakech is the favorite destination of French tourists who spend 52% of nights in hotels in the ocher city. Agadir comes in second position with 30% of French overnight stays. It is the leading European source market for the seaside resort with 23% of arrivals. The CRT Agadir SMD was present in force at Top Resa, well represented by its president Benhamane, its director Maoun, by Asmaa Oubou from promotion and Communication and by great professionals: Mrach, Belakbir, Ouakhir, Markus, among others.
The TOP Resa show in its new name IFTM: International French travel market, has a strong Moroccan participation from professionals coming from Marrakech, Fez, Ouarzazate, Dakhla, Essaouira, Casablanca etc… But also by the effective presence of the Minister of Tourism and the DG of the ONMT.

A positive point to note is the effective presence of the Moroccan ambassador in Paris, Mr. Benmoussa, who toured the stands and spoke with Moroccan professionals. A much appreciated gesture, which puts into practice the spirit of economic diplomacy according to the guidelines of HM King Mohammed VI. It should be noted that this is in fact the first time that we have seen an ambassador come into contact with tourism professionals, in a trade show. The participation of Moroccan embassies is important for the promotion of the Moroccan tourism product.
The French market to Morocco is known for appreciating cultural and seaside stays, desert tourism and imperial city tours, but it also has strong potential in terms of niches. For example, France is the 4th European country in number of licensed golfers with 407,530 (including 26% women). France has nearly 578 golf courses, 4th after Great Britain, Germany and Sweden.
The MICE market puts France in 5th position in Europe. The cruise market is also important with a forecast of 370,000 cruise passengers in 2020. It remains to be known to conclude that the price factor is decisive in the purchase of a trip; that the climate is at the top of the criteria for choosing a travel destination and that last minute is increasingly developing: 46% of traveling consumers will book at D-15 in the coming years, according to field studies on this subject.
If the French market therefore offers significant potential for Morocco, the opposite is also true. The diversity and richness of the Moroccan tourism product must be highlighted through aggressive promotion aimed at the French regions and not only in the capital Paris. The French tourist pool must be maintained with professionalism, know-how and above all good consultation between ONMT, professionals, elected officials and Authorities.

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