The Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) has reported a significant 41 per cent year-on-year growth in the Indian market as of June 2024, marking a successful first year of its operations in India. This strong performance sets a promising trajectory for the remainder of the year, with expectations of reaching a 45 per cent growth by the end of 2024.
Globally, Morocco welcomed 7.5 million tourists in the first half of 2024, representing a 15 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The MNTO has set a target of attracting 15.5 million tourists by the end of the year, with a specific goal of drawing 100,000 Indian visitors by 2026.
The tourism board said active engagement with the Indian travel industry has been instrumental in driving this growth. Recent roadshows in Delhi and Mumbai have played a crucial role in strengthening relationships with tour operators and media partners, enhancing Morocco’s visibility as a premier travel destination.
In February 2024, MNTO made its debut at the OTM 2024, one of India’s leading travel trade shows. The participation in this event further solidified MNTO’s presence in the Indian market and was met with a positive reception, underscoring Morocco’s growing appeal among Indian travellers. Additionally, MNTO organised a a trade Familiarisation trip, offering key Indian tour operators firsthand experiences of Morocco’s unique offerings.
The number of foreign tourists visiting Portugal increased by 7.5 per cent in the first half of the year, reaching more than 8.8 million. Tourism remains a significant driver of Portugal’s economy, contributing 16.5 per cent to the GDP. Britain and the United States were the largest sources of visitors, followed by Spain.
Looking ahead, MNTO is focusing on promoting Morocco’s potential in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector. By targeting MICE companies, MNTO aims to position Morocco as a premier destination for international business events, further expanding its appeal to Indian travellers.Jamal Kilito, Country Manager, MNTO-India, expressed optimism about the increasing number of Indian visitors to Morocco, stating, “Morocco is a promising destination for Indian tourists. It’s encouraging to see Indian travellers, whether with family or solo, exploring the destination. With multiple trade engagements planned, Morocco has significant potential to attract honeymooners, MICE, and celebrations. In the coming months, we will accelerate our efforts in the Indian market, with plans to tap into the film industry for future collaborations.”
