Worldwide, tourism grew by 6% last year with over 790 million overnight trips. Many countries that rely on tourism as their chief industry had record visits last year. German tourism consultants IPK warned, though, that this trend will most likely not continue into 2008. Growth for many areas will actually be reduced by half. This report has some countries working extra hard to make sure that they are the exceptions. Morocco is one of them. Its flourishing property market owes much of its success to the country's tourism market. Last year, Morocco reported a 13% increase in the number of visitors to the country. Eager to top that in 2008, Morocco is heavily marketing the country to tourism companies.
Recently at the International Tourism Bourse in Berlin, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were seen showcasing local folklore and handicrafts to encourage visits to the country. Last year 75 million trips were made by Europeans, many of whom were German. Morocco is beginning to place an emphasis on bringing in foreign investment. Investors in the overseas property market have favored the area which has lead to a growing economy. Representatives from Morocco made efforts to contact private operators, knowing they can help the country achieve its tourism goals. By 2010 Morocco wants to attract 10 million visitors per year.
The country's resort and travel agency operators want to focus on the country's natural and cultural offerings. Currently, though, they realise that much work is needed. Many Europeans, especially Germans, are interested mainly in beach resort holidays, and Morocco currently only has one beach resort in operation. Their active efforts to increase beach offerings to bring in more tourists will, no doubt, increase demand for Moroccan properties.
