Morocco welcomes 4mln tourists in Q1 2025
RABAT - Morocco's tourism sector posted a remarkable performance in the first quarter of 2025, attracting 4 million visitors by the end of March.
This represents a new record, marking a 22 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy.
Maghreb Arab Press Agency quoted the ministry as saying that this growth further solidifies Morocco's position as a leading travel destination and reinforces the country's status as a year-round destination.
The figures reflect a balanced appeal, with 2.1 million international tourists and 1.9 million members of the Moroccan diaspora visiting the country during Q1 2025.
Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor said, 'The month of March, which coincided with the Holy Month of Ramadan this year, recorded excellent performance with nearly 1.4 million visitors, representing a growth of 17 percent compared to 2024.'
ES
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE economic outlook remains bullish despite global volatility
Despite global economic volatility, the UAE maintains a strong economic outlook, analysts say. This is primarily driven by rising energy production, a robust tourism sector (Dubai welcomed 19 million visitors in 2024), population growth (currently 12 million nationwide, 4 million in Dubai), and a steady pipeline of 3,500 infrastructure and real estate projects. High public spending and diversification efforts continue to mitigate external risks. While US-imposed tariffs (25 per cent) on iron, aluminium, and steel introduce potential headwinds particularly for non-oil GDP, the UAE remains the second-largest aluminium supplier to the US, exporting 350,000 tonnes in 2024 contributing heavily to industries such as aerospace, defence, real estate, and automotive manufacturing. The recent announcement of a $1.4 trillion investment in the USA in a new aluminium smelter is expected to double domestic production, reinforcing trade stability. Additionally, strategic trade diversification and the UAE's competitive positioning such as in logistics and finance help cushion any adverse effects. Non-oil GDP has remained steady, supported by the government's diversification efforts. Continued growth is expected as these strategies expand further. Government initiatives continue to drive economic expansion, with plans to double FDI inflows to $65 billion by 2031 across logistics, finance, renewable energy, and IT. Dubai's Real Estate Strategy 2033 aims to increase housing supply and homeownership to 33 per cent while doubling the sector's contribution to GDP. The UAE's oil output is expected to hit 3.27 million barrels per day by 2026, in line with OPEC+ plans. At the same time, Adnoc is working towards increasing production to five million barrels per day by 2027. The UAE's Dh71 billion fiscal budget for 2025, Dh28 billion has been allocated towards social development, pensions, education, and infrastructure with Dh2.6 billion set aside for transportation and logistics. Although fiscal surplus is expected to moderate to 3 per cent of GDP, sustained oil pricing and revenue diversification ensure stability. The IMF forecasts non-oil economic growth in the GCC to slow to 3.4 per cent, but the UAE remains a regional leader, outpacing Oman and Saudi Arabia with an expected 4.6 per cent growth through 2026. While the recently imposed 25 per cent US tariffs on steel and aluminium directly target imports into the American market, they do not immediately affect the cost of construction materials in Dubai, as the UAE is not subject to reciprocal duties on its own imports. 'That said, currency fluctuations and broader economic uncertainty arising from global trade tensions may elevate input costs across sectors, including logistics and construction. However, these pressures may be mitigated or even offset by a surge in investor interest, as geopolitical instability elsewhere often reinforces Dubai's appeal as a haven for capital,' a recent whitepaper by Betterhomes, the Dubai-based real estate consultancy, said. Dubai has become particularly attractive to Asian investors, especially from China, as they redirect capital flows away from unstable markets. Conversely, Dubai's strategic position as a global trade hub could create new opportunities, analysts said. The city may benefit from increased re-exports and transshipment activities, as companies seek to mitigate the effects of tariffs by rerouting goods through Dubai's free zones such as Jebel Ali Free Zone. It is also worth noting that while the US maintains a free trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, the tariffs have still been imposed even though nearly one-third of US aluminium and steel imports come from Canada. Considering current political tensions with Canada and President Trump's recent efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf states including visits to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar there is a strategic possibility that 'the US may pursue a bilateral deal with the UAE to reduce its reliance on Canadian metal imports', the Betterhomes study said. Such a deal could not only boost the UAE's aluminium export volumes to the US but also offer US a basis to lower tariffs on imports from Gulf partners, reinforcing economic and political alliances in the region, analysts say. Dubai's real estate market has remained robust, with strong demand from Indian, European, Chinese, and Pakistani investors. Off-plan developments have drawn significant interest. Betterhomes experienced the same trend in Q1 2025, with Indian, Pakistani, British, Italian, and German buyers remaining the most active in the market. Following a strong Q1, total transactions in April surged by 23 per cent month-onmonth, reaching a total of Dh46 billion. Real estate market outlook and future growth Despite challenges posed by fluctuating oil prices and global market shifts, Dubai's real estate market remains resilient, benefiting from sustained foreign investment and economic diversification. The emirate has recorded the largest influx of millionaires globally, further solidifying its position as a haven for investment. Additionally, infrastructure projects, backed by government initiatives, continue to improve connectivity, supporting the ongoing expansion of the real estate market. In 2024, Dubai saw a steady increase in mortgage transactions, with significant demand for villas and townhouses. With 90 per cent of villa and townhouse communities experiencing demand exceeding supply, property values continue to rise, reinforcing Dubai's position as a top global real estate destination. Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes says, 'At Betterhomes, we've observed a marked shift since the imposition of tariffs, with interest from US and Chinese investors rising by over 40 per cent month-on-month. Website traffic from these markets surged by 60 per cent, signalling a renewed appetite for Dubai real estate as a stable and strategic investment destination.'


Gulf Business
10 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Ibrahim Shiuree on the Maldives' vision for sustainable tourism, GCC growth
Image: Supplied With the Maldives consistently ranked among the top luxury destinations globally, Ibrahim Shiuree, CEO and MD of the Maldives Marketing & PR Corporation ( In this conversation, he outlines how the Maldives is leveraging improved air connectivity, sustainability, and exclusive experiences to attract more travellers from the GCC — and why the country remains a magnet for investment and repeat visitation from the region's high-end market. Tell us about your presence at the recent ATM 2025 in Dubai. How is the Maldives leveraging improved air access, digital innovation, and regional partnerships to strengthen its global tourism footprint? The Maldives had one of its largest-ever delegations at ATM 2025, with over 230 representatives from 110 tourism companies, including resorts, guesthouses, liveaboards, travel agencies, and airlines. Our consistent and strong presence at ATM Dubai reflects the importance we place on this platform to build industry partnerships and strengthen our global visibility. During ATM 2025, we also signed several important memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with major airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. These agreements focus on enhancing air connectivity through joint marketing efforts and route development strategies. The aim is to tap into their extensive global networks and attract more tourists to the Maldives from key international markets. Additionally, we are using digital platforms and strategic collaborations to amplify our reach. For example, our partnership with Ooredoo enables us to connect with over 150 million customers globally, promoting the Maldives across new and existing markets. Our efforts are about more than just increasing tourist arrivals. We're equally focused on elevating the overall visitor experience, diversifying our source markets, and ensuring long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive global tourism landscape. The Middle East continues to emerge as a high-potential source market for the Maldives. What specific strategies are you implementing to attract more travellers from GCC countries, and how are you tailoring your offerings to meet their evolving preferences? The Middle East, particularly the GCC region, continues to be a high-potential and strategically important source market for the Maldives. We've been implementing targeted strategies that align with the evolving preferences of GCC travellers, who often seek luxury, privacy, family-friendly experiences, and bespoke services. As mentioned before, one of our key focuses has been building and strengthening partnerships with major airlines—these collaborations are essential for improving connectivity, increasing flight frequencies, and expanding our reach through coordinated marketing and promotional initiatives. In addition to airline partnerships, we've also launched major joint marketing campaigns with leading tour operators in the region, including DNATA. These campaigns help us promote tailored travel packages and exclusive experiences that cater specifically to the interests of Middle Eastern travellers—such as private villas and multi-generational family travel. Looking ahead, Visit Maldives is committed to strengthening these relationships, diversifying our outreach, and ensuring that our efforts translate into meaningful, sustainable growth. Our strategies have already contributed to many key milestones in positioning the Maldives as the World's Leading Destination, and we look forward to building on this momentum in the Middle Eastern market. The Maldives' unique 'one island, one resort' philosophy has become a benchmark for luxury and exclusivity. How does this model align with sustainability goals, and why does it particularly resonate with affluent Middle Eastern travellers? Our signature 'one island, one resort' philosophy is a hallmark of Maldivian luxury — it's a model that naturally supports our sustainability goals. By design, this concept limits the scale of development on each island, helping to reduce environmental impact and preserve the pristine natural beauty that defines the Maldives. From a sustainability perspective, having just one resort per island allows for better control over conservation efforts, waste management, and renewable energy integration. Many resorts are deeply committed to environmental stewardship — investing in solar power, coral reef restoration, and marine life protection programmes. At the same time, they actively raise awareness among tourists, encouraging responsible tourism and a deeper connection to the environment. This model also resonates strongly with affluent Middle Eastern travellers, who often prioritise privacy, exclusivity, and cultural sensitivity. The Maldives delivers all of that — offering private villas, luxurious amenities and bespoke experiences tailored for families and high-end travellers. Ultimately, the 'one island, one resort' concept delivers a unique blend of sustainability, seclusion, and personalised service within a breathtaking natural setting — making it an ideal destination for travellers from the GCC region seeking an unforgettable and meaningful escape. GCC travellers are increasingly seeking bespoke experiences, wellness, and luxury. How is the Maldives adapting its tourism ecosystem to meet these preferences and create repeat visitation from the Middle East? The Maldives has long been synonymous with bespoke experiences, wellness, and luxury — and our unique 'one island, one resort' concept remains unmatched globally for those seeking an exclusive and indulgent vacation. Over the years, we've strategically evolved our tourism ecosystem to align with the refined preferences of high-end travellers, particularly from the Middle East. Our resorts are deeply focused on delivering luxury through highly personalised services — from pre-arrival preference collection to tailor-made itineraries, private butlers, and around-the-clock service that caters to every need. Middle Eastern guests, who often seek privacy and personalized attention, find this level of service especially appealing. We also offer a range of ultra-luxurious experiences designed to create unforgettable memories: private sandbank dining under the stars, multi-day yacht charters with personal chefs, seaplane island-hopping adventures, underwater dining in glass-enclosed restaurants, and bespoke cultural immersion tours that showcase Maldivian heritage in an intimate and authentic way. Wellness is another pillar of our offering. Our resorts feature world-class wellness sanctuaries offering holistic spa treatments, guided meditation sessions, and personalised wellness programs designed to restore and rejuvenate the body and mind. The Maldives is an experience that lingers long after departure. We are proud to be the top choice for luxury travel globally, and our high repeat visitation rates from the Middle East are a testament to the magic we offer. Once someone experiences the Maldives, they almost always return — drawn back by the beauty, the service, and the unforgettable sense of serenity. The UAE and wider Middle East are home to sophisticated investors looking for high-yield opportunities. What makes the Maldivian tourism sector ripe for investment right now, and which areas — resorts, infrastructure, eco-tourism — offer the most promise? The Maldives has always been an attractive destination for discerning travellers — and that same allure extends to investors as well. With our tourism sector continuing to show resilience and steady growth, especially in the premium and luxury segments, the timing is ideal for those looking to explore high-potential opportunities. We see growing interest from sophisticated investors in the UAE and the wider Middle East, and we welcome that interest. The Maldives offers a stable environment, a strong brand as a world-leading destination, and a clear commitment to sustainability and innovation. There are certainly promising avenues across various areas—be it resorts, infrastructure, or emerging niches like eco-tourism and wellness. What makes investment in the Maldives unique is the opportunity to be part of a destination that not only delivers strong returns but also values authenticity, sustainability, and long-term partnerships. How is the Maldives strengthening regional tourism ties with Middle Eastern nations beyond visitor arrivals — perhaps through joint ventures, hospitality training, or innovation hubs? The Maldives is actively working to deepen its tourism ties with the Middle East — not just in terms of visitor arrivals, but through long-term strategic engagement and multifaceted collaborations. We've taken significant steps to build meaningful relationships across the region that go beyond traditional marketing. For example, we've hosted impactful familiarisation (FAM) trips, including a highly successful one with Khalid Al Ameri, a well-known influencer whose storytelling helped showcase the Maldives' appeal to a broad Middle Eastern audience. Our strong presence at ATM 2025 also reflected our commitment to the region — with initiatives like the LFC & Maldives-themed taxi campaign in Dubai, and key MoUs signed to enhance air connectivity and promote joint marketing efforts. Partnerships with influential travel brands have also played a vital role in expanding our reach within the GCC travel market. Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of activities planned — including dedicated roadshows, high-impact media and influencer trips, television promotions, and collaborations with popular consumer brands and digital platforms to keep the Maldives top-of-mind for Middle Eastern travellers. While we haven't formally launched specific joint ventures or training programmes tailored exclusively for the Middle Eastern market yet, ongoing foreign investment initiatives and large-scale projects like the Maldives Integrated Financial Centre (MIFC) could open doors to deeper hospitality collaboration, talent development, and innovation in the future. Overall, our vision is clear: we want to build enduring connections, offer value-rich experiences, and ensure that the Maldives remains a preferred, easily accessible, and culturally attuned luxury destination for travellers from the Middle East.


Middle East Eye
13 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
UK backs Morocco's Western Sahara autonomy plan in shift likely to anger Algeria
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy has declared the UK's support for Morocco's 2007 autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, marking a significant diplomatic shift likely to deepen tensions with Algeria. During a visit to Rabat on Sunday, Lammy described the proposal as 'the most credible, viable and pragmatic basis' for resolving the decades-long dispute over the former Spanish colony, which has been at the heart of a protracted standoff between Morocco and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. 'The UK will continue to act bilaterally, including economically, regionally and internationally in line with this position to support the resolution of the conflict,' Lammy said at a press conference alongside Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. This position aligns Britain with France and the United States — the three Western permanent members of the UN Security Council — in backing Morocco's proposal, which offers limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty rather than full independence for the region. Bourita welcomed the UK's endorsement, calling it a 'historic' development and part of a broader diplomatic push to resolve the conflict. He noted that British investment in the disputed territory was under consideration. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters The ministers also signed cooperation agreements covering healthcare, innovation, port infrastructure, water management and procurement. Lammy said the deals would ensure British firms benefit from Morocco's infrastructure drive as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Contested territory Western Sahara, a phosphate-rich territory with valuable fishing waters, remains on the United Nations list of non-self-governing territories. Morocco controls about 80 percent of the land, while the rest is held by the Polisario Front, which seeks an independent Sahrawi state. Western Sahara: France backs Morocco's claim of sovereignty and its autonomy plan Read More » The conflict began in 1975 after Spain withdrew from the territory. A war between Moroccan forces and the Polisario Front ended in 1991 with a UN-brokered ceasefire that promised a referendum on self-determination — a vote that has never taken place. Since 2020, fighting has resumed, with artillery and drone strikes reported on both sides of a fortified sand wall — known as the berm — erected by Morocco. Human rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about Morocco's crackdown on pro-independence Sahrawis in areas it controls. Algeria, a staunch supporter of Sahrawi independence, cut diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021. It hosts the Polisario leadership and around 176,000 Sahrawi refugees in camps near Tindouf. Algiers has sharply criticised Western support for Morocco's plan. After France endorsed the autonomy initiative last year, Algerian officials accused Paris of backing 'a colonial fait accompli' and undermining UN efforts to decolonise the region.