North African nation, Morocco has recorded a loss as tourism revenues fell by 67.2% by the end of January 2021, compared to the year before, i.e. a loss of 4.5 billion dirhams, according to the Department of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF).
DEPF points out in its economic report for the month of March, adding that arrivals to Morocco decreased by 78.9% by the end of November 2020 while overnight stays fell by 72.3%, against increases of 5.3% and 5.2% respectively in 2019.
According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), new variants of COVID-19 have forced several governments to not ease travel restrictions.
At the beginning of February, 32% of destinations worldwide were completely closed to international tourism, for a total of 69 countries, of which 30 countries are located in Asia-Pacific, 15 in Europe, 11 in Africa, 10 in the Americas and 3 in the Middle East.
Over half of these destinations (38) have been closed for at least 40 weeks.
At the same time, 34% of destinations are currently partially closed to international tourists.
