according to data from the international agency UN Tourism (formerly the World Tourism Organization), Morocco has gained ten places in the ranking of tourism revenue. Morocco moved from 41st place (before the pandemic) to 31st in the ranking of global tourism receipts in 2023. Overall, international tourism receipts, including air transport, reached an estimated amount of USD 1,700 billion in 2023, or around 96% of pre-pandemic levels in real terms, according to data from the international agency UN Tourism (formerly the World Tourism Organization). Last year, direct tourism GDP reached an estimated USD 3.3 trillion, or 3% of global GDP, returning to pre-pandemic levels. With $176 billion, the United States dominates the tourism revenue rankings. They are followed by Spain which collected 92 billion dollars.
In addition to Morocco, the United Kingdom also improved its position in the ranking of tourism receipts, going from 5th place before the pandemic to 3rd with 74 billion dollars. The United Arab Emirates moved from 13th to 6th place, Turkey from 12th to 7th place, Canada from 15th to 9th place, Saudi Arabia from 27th to 12th place, and Mexico from 17th to 15th place. Croatia (from 32nd to 25th place) and the Dominican Republic (from 43rd to 34th). France ($69 billion) and Italy ($56 billion) complete the top 5.
Regarding international tourist arrivals in 2023, UN Tourism reports that they “returned to 89% of 2019 levels and to 97% in the first quarter of 2024”. Its projections for 2024 are encouraging. UN Tourism expects a full recovery in international tourism with an increase in arrivals of 2% compared to 2019, supported by strong demand, improved air connectivity and the continued recovery of China and other major Asian markets.
