Tourism: 15,000 cancellations since the attack of 28 April in Marrakech
The attack will force Marrakech tourism professionals to review their calculations. It is still "very early" to take stock of course, but thousands of tourists have canceled their trip. The French, more likely to visit Morocco to say less tempted to spend their holidays in some Arab countries, including the kingdom.
Difficult to accept, but the attack in Marrakesh risk of carrying a heavy blow to the tourism industry in Morocco. Not less than 15 000 tourists, representing 3% of the total, have already canceled their stay in Morocco, due to the attack of 28 April stated that the Tourism Minister Yassir Znagui, quoted by Reuters. In different hotels of the ocher city, these cancellations are confirmed. As at Riad Orchidé, where we talk "a lot" of withdrawals holiday "because of the attack." At Riad Iaazan always in Marrakech, managers say they have not yet experienced withdrawal.
Confidence
Regional Centre for Tourism Marrakech, confidence still remains the watchword: "It is very early to make an assessment. We need at least three weeks in order to assess the real impact of the attack on the tourist activity in the city, which continues its normal course until now, "said Abdellatif Abouricha, Head of Communications of the Centre. Before the attack, the attendance was up 10% compared to the previous year, but "the strength of the sector will be put to the test this year," admits his part by the Minister of Tourism.
Growth of 8%
One area tested, but can still give good results: "The data we have so far and the response we have developed makes us confident about the outlook for the sector (...) growth of 8 % of revenue in 2011 is possible on the basis of what we see today, "predicts Znagui. Its industry directly employs 450,000 people and accounts for 10% of the gross domestic product of Morocco. Marrakech and Agadir performing alone, 62% of Moroccan nights.
Effort, it will take tourism professionals to attract more foreign customers, especially the French. They represent 32% of Moroccan nights. Only 90% of them say, in a survey (conducted from April 6 to 12, before the bombing of Marrakech), neglecting popular destinations such as Egypt, Tunisia, but also Morocco. No need to look further, the "Arab Spring" has been there.
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