Latest news with #Handicrafts
Entrepreneur
24-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Supporting Local Handicrafts: Saudi Cultural Development Fund Launches Nama' Accelerators in Partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Quality of Life Program
Nama' Accelerators comprises multiple sector-specific tracks to be introduced by the Fund in the near future. The accelerators launch with its first track, Handicrafts, as part of the Fund's broader efforts to amplify the economic, social, and creative impact of the 2025 Year of Handicrafts, and to enable sector stakeholders to enhance and expand their cultural projects and businesses. The Fund has launched a dedicated webpage for full accelerators details HERE The Handicrafts Track targets micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) across 11 key handicrafts fields, including pottery, textiles, and woodworking. Participants will benefit from specialized training in modern craft techniques, intensive workshops in marketing and business development, and improved access to both local and global markets. The accelerators conclude with targeted, financial incentives aimed at supporting long-term business growth and sustainability. Through its first track, Nama' Accelerators aims to transform Saudi Arabia's vibrant handicraft heritage into sustainable economic businesses that that empower communities, spark innovation in the sector, and embrace the Kingdom's national identity. The accelerators also designed to amplify the sector's economic and social impact by supporting the growth of ambitious, high-potential startups with innovative ideas. In doing so, it contributes to building a vibrant Saudi entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages creativity and enables long-term, meaningful growth. Nama' Accelerators marks a significant step forward in the Cultural Development Fund's mission to become the Financial Center of Excellence for the cultural sector. It reinforces the Fund's role as a key financial enabler for cultural entrepreneurs and businesses by enabling their sustainable and profitable growth. The accelerators also consolidate the Fund's efforts with key stakeholders in the cultural ecosystem, enabling it to continue its path toward achieving the goals of the National Culture Strategy, under the umbrella of Saudi Vision 2030. For more information about Nama' Accelerators and the Handicrafts Track, click HERE
Morocco World
07-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Welcomes 5.7 Million Tourists in First Four Months of 2025, Up 23%
Rabat – Morocco received 5.7 million tourists in the first four months of 2025, representing a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. The ministry described the performance as 'exceptional,' noting that this rise means one million more tourists visited Morocco during the first part of the year. This strong growth places Morocco among the world's most dynamic tourist destinations, it added. April 2025 alone saw the arrival of 1.7 million tourists, a 27% increase compared to April 2024. The ministry said this reflects Morocco's growing appeal and its ability to attract visitors beyond the traditional high season. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the arrival of one million extra tourists during a period usually considered quiet signals a promising season ahead. 'These outstanding results show the success of the tourism roadmap launched by the government under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,' she said. 'This strategy focuses on promoting Morocco's unique strengths and building a strong base for sustainable tourism growth.' A report recently released by the Foreign Exchange Office showed that Morocco earned MAD 24.62 billion in tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2025. The country welcomed 4 million tourists between January and March. This represents a 2.4% increase in tourism revenue compared to last year. The report comes as Morocco takes major steps to strengthen its tourism sector. Since the end of the COVID crisis, the country has invested heavily in upgrading airports and improving infrastructure across key destinations. These efforts aim to provide a better travel experience for tourists and support the growing number of international arrivals. Morocco's tourism office is also forming partnerships with airlines to boost air connectivity. With major sports events like the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal, the country sees a big opportunity to showcase its attractions to a global audience.
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Earns MAD 24.6 Billion from Tourism in First Three Months of 2025
Rabat – Morocco earned MAD 24.62 billion in tourism revenue during the first quarter of 2025, according to a report released by the Foreign Exchange Office on Wednesday. The country welcomed 4 million tourists between January and March. This represents a 2.4% increase in tourism revenue compared to the same period last year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, the number of tourists increased by 22% compared to the first three months of 2024. Of the 4 million visitors, 2.1 million were foreign tourists and 1.9 million were Moroccans living abroad. In 2024, Morocco recorded a total of 17.4 million tourist arrivals, a 20% increase from 2023, with 3 million more visitors. Last year's tourism revenue reached MAD 112.48 billion, showing a growth of 7.5% from 2023, when it stood at MAD 104.67 billion. Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor said that these visitors contributed a total of $11.2 billion to the economy, 'a remarkable 43% jump from pre-pandemic levels.' 'This is proof that our country's blend of authentic heritage and innovative spirit resonates globally,' the minister said. She added that these figures mean 'more jobs, thriving local businesses and new exciting opportunities across our beautiful country.' This growth reflects rising interest in Morocco as a top tourist destination from both foreign tourists and members of the Moroccan diaspora. The number of foreign tourists in 2024 rose by 23% to reach 8.8 million, while the number of Moroccans living abroad who visited increased by 17% to 8.6 million.
Morocco World
19-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Tourism Sector Records 16% Surge in Overnight Stays by February 2025
Rabat – Morocco's tourism sector continues its upward trajectory, with a 16% increase in overnight stays at classified hotels recorded by the end of February 2025, according to the latest data from the Tourism Observatory. This significant growth reflects a strong rebound in both international and domestic travel. Overnight stays by non-resident tourists rose by 20%, while those by resident tourists grew by 6% compared to the same period in 2024. Major tourist destinations across the country reported double-digit growth, led by Al Haouz with an impressive 37% increase. Other notable gains were recorded in Fez (+29%), Tangier (+28%), Casablanca (+25%), Essaouira (+22%), Agadir (+15%), and Marrakech (+9%). The positive momentum continued into February, with overnight stays up by 15% year-on-year. Non-resident tourists contributed to a 19% increase during the month, while resident stays rose by 6%. Tourism revenues also saw a steady rise. Foreign currency earnings generated by non-resident visitors reached MAD 15.75 billion ($ 1.56 billion) by the end of February, marking a 3% increase from MAD 15.32 billion ($1.52 billion) during the same period in 2024. The sector's strong performance extended into the first quarter of 2025, with Morocco welcoming 4 million visitors by the end of March—a new record. This marks a 22% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. The ministry noted that this growth reinforces Morocco's status as a leading and year-round travel destination, a trend that has been gaining momentum since the beginning of the year. The figures highlight a balanced appeal, with 2.1 million international tourists and 1.9 million members of the Moroccan diaspora visiting the country during the first quarter. The Moroccan government has committed over one billion euros ($1.09 billion) in public tourism investments over the next decade, not including private sector funding. This investment affirms Morocco's commitment to strengthening its position in the Mediterranean tourism market. Tags: Hotels in Moroccoovernight stays in AgadirTourism
Trade Arabia
13-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Morocco welcomes 4m tourists in Q1 2025
Morocco's tourism sector posted a remarkable performance in the first quarter of 2025, attracting 4 million visitors by the end of March, reported WAM. 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.'
