Morocco's Rabat to Host Africa's First UN Tourism Innovation Hub
The minister signed the agreement with Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, on Thursday on the sidelines of the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in Madrid, Spain.
The office seeks to work to support the UN Tourism 2030 Agenda for Africa, to make the sector a driver of development across the continent.
Data from the UNWTO shows that arrivals across Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors, noting that North Africa is recording a strong performance at the continental level.
Arrivals in North Africa reached 8% higher between January and July 2023, compared to the pre-pandemic levels in 2019
Last year, Morocco achieved a milestone by welcoming 17.4 million international tourists, representing a 20% increase compared to 2023.
This means that Morocco was the most- visited country in all of Africa, according to UN Tourism.
'Over the last five years, Morocco has averaged USD 3.5 billion in FDI annually across all sectors,' UN Tourism said, noting that $2.2 billion was allocated to the sector between 2014 and 2023.
The website quoted UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona, stressing Morocco's regional leadership in the tourism sector.
Morocco's tourism sector has become a key economic driver, contributing 7.3% to GDP by 2023.
The tourism office forecasts that Morocco is prepared to continue its growth with a remarkable 35% increase in international arrivals since 2019 and $10.5 billion in tourism revenue. Tags: Africa Tourismatlas mountains tourism
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Morocco World
15-07-2025
- Morocco World
Go Siyaha Expands Access to Boost Tourism Entrepreneurship in Morocco
Fez– The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism has announced three major updates to the Go Siyaha program, aimed at making it more accessible and impactful for tourism entrepreneurs across the country. These changes are designed to encourage investment, foster innovation, and generate new jobs in the sector. The new eligibility conditions will take effect starting Tuesday, July 22, 2025. According to the ministry, Go Siyaha has already supported 1,000 projects to date. With growing interest among young entrepreneurs and untapped potential in tourism, the program is now being adapted to meet the evolving needs of project holders. Key changes to the program The minimum investment threshold has been removed. One of the most significant updates is the removal of the minimum investment requirement of MAD 1 million. This change allows smaller projects, often led by young or first-time entrepreneurs, to qualify for funding and support. It also opens the door to a wider range of initiatives, including local cooperatives, guesthouses with cultural experiences, and community-based activity centers. 2. Investment support is now available for existing businesses. Previously, only newly established companies could apply for investment support under Go Siyaha. With this update, existing tourism businesses that are launching new entertainment or activity-based services will also be eligible. The ministry noted that this expansion will help leverage the experience of established businesses and speed up the development of high-potential projects. 3. Technical assistance now offered from start for new businesses. The program's technical assistance component, which was once limited to operational businesses, will now be made available from the very beginning of the project. New entrepreneurs will receive help with structuring their ideas, preparing funding applications, and building a solid foundation for their launch. This aims to address the common hurdles faced by newcomers and help them get off the ground faster. 'These improvements reflect our commitment to staying aligned with the real needs of tourism entrepreneurs,' said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, according to MAP. She added that the changes are designed to allow more Moroccan talent to develop creative, regionally tailored tourism projects. The updated Go Siyaha program is part of the national tourism roadmap for 2023–2026. It aims to support 1,700 tourism businesses by 2026, focusing especially on developing tourism-related entertainment and diversifying Morocco's overall tourism offering. Through this more flexible and inclusive approach, the government hopes to create lasting impact within the tourism sector, stimulate innovation, and encourage investment at all levels. Tags: entrepreneurshipGo SiyahaTourism
Morocco World
14-07-2025
- Morocco World
British Airways To Launch Direct Route Between London, Rabat
Rabat – British Airways announced that it will launch year-round direct services, connecting Morocco's Rabat with London. The flight will be offered by its subsidiary BA Euroflyer. The airline's media center has announced the news, noting that the flights are part of its expansion of short-haul network. The airline's route map will include two year-round services to Morocco's Rabat and the Austrian city of Graz. For the Rabat-London route, the airline will offer its services twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays, using an Airbus A320. The airline will begin services on November 5. 'Rabat is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, architecture, and distinctive blend of tradition and modernity,' British Airways' media center wrote, noting that the destination offers warm weather year-round. 'It's ideal for travellers seeking sunshine closer to home.' The airline also emphasized Rabat's leading role as the third destination in Morocco served by the flag carrier, alongside Marrakech and Rabat. The trip from London will cost £70 each way, including taxes and carrier fees, the report said. Morocco has been among the top destinations for tourists from many countries, including Britain. Tourist arrivals rate in Morocco marked an increase of 19% in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Tourism said Morocco welcomed 8.9 million tourists in the first half of 2025, indicating an additional 1.4 million tourists compared to the same period last year. 'These results confirm Morocco's attractiveness and our ability to draw an increasing number of tourists,' Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor said. Tags: direct flightsdirect flights between Morocco and US
Morocco World
10-07-2025
- Morocco World
Morocco Attracts 8.9 Million Tourists in First Half of 2025
Rabat – The Ministry of Tourism is celebrating a new achievement, noting that the tourist arrivals rate in Morocco marked an increase of 19% in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. In a statement today, the ministry said Morocco welcomed 8.9 million tourists in the first half of 2025, indicating an additional 1.4 million tourists compared to the same period last year. The ministry said this number confirms Morocco's position as a top travel destination, maintaining an upward trend. The month of June contributed to the achievement with 1.7 million arrivals, an 11% increase compared to last year. This year's June is the best recorded to date, the statement said, noting that the news marks a positive start to the summer season. The statement conveys the ministry's high expectations, especially as summer represents a peak season for the country's tourism sector. 'These results confirm Morocco's attractiveness and our ability to draw an increasing number of tourists,' Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said, noting that the second half of this year focuses on top priorities like strengthening air connectivity and accelerating the development of accommodation and entertainment offerings to meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding clientele. Morocco has been strengthening its position in the sector by breaking records and welcoming millions of tourists throughout the year and across all seasons. The North African country welcomed 17.4 million tourists last year, with arrivals representing a 20% increase compared to 2023. Morocco averaged $3.5 billion in FDI annually across all sectors, UN Tourism said, stressing that the country is now Africa's most-visited nation, surpassing Egypt. Tags: Tourism in Moroccotourists in morocco
