(Ecofin Agency) - Over the first eight months of this year, the number of tourists visiting Morocco peaked sharply, and, consequently, the country had its tourism revenues rise.

Morocco earned 71.4 billion dirhams ($6.9 billion) from tourism in the first eight months of 2023, up 33% in the same period in 2022. This was disclosed by the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, in a press release issued on October 2.

The rise in tourism industry revenues was mainly due to the increase in the number of tourists during the period under review, added the same source.

Morocco received 10.2 million visitors between January 1 and August 31, 2023, 49% more than it did last year, over the same period.

Commenting on the figures, the Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor declared: "These results reflect the considerable appeal of our tourist destination and the relevance of our actions in the air, as well as with tour operators in the main outbound markets."

"Despite the post-earthquake challenges, we remain optimistic about the year-end outlook. We are working closely with industry professionals to maintain operations and rapidly revive growth in the sector," she added.