Culture

Moroccan tourism sector rakes in over $4.1b in May alone

Published

1 year ago

June 28, 2023

The Moroccan Exchange Office says the country’s tourism sector raked in over MAD 40.63 billion ($4.1 billion) in revenue in the month of May alone.

According to the data from the Exchange Office, the increased revenue represents a significant upsurge estimated at nearly double the number recorded during the same period last year.

The data noted that Morocco’s tourism revenues reached MAD 21.24 billion ($2.14 billion) in May of last year and has continued to increase month on month.

“This year’s revenues also exceed the level recorded at the end of May 2020 (MAD 19.82 billion or $2 billion) and May 2019 (MAD 28.56 billion or $2.8 billion),” the Exchange Office said in the report.

“As for travel expenditures for the past five months, they amounted to MAD 9.2 billion ($929 million).

“The excess travel balance stood at nearly 31.42 billion dirhams at the end of May 2023, against only 15.23 billion dirhams during the same period of 2022,” the data added.

It says in the first six months of 2023, Morocco has recorded over 1.1 million tourist arrivals during the month of May alone.

“This represents a growth of +55% compared to May 2019, our reference year. This good performance has several explanations.”

Earlier in the month, Minister of Tourism, Fatim Ezzahra, had attributed the positive performance of the tourism sector to proactive efforts that started before the end of the pandemic.

The minister had also stressed that 2023 would mark a record year in terms of flight programming as part of the country’s measures for the summer season.

He added that the summer of 2023 would also witness the opening of 23 new lines aimed at serving eight Moroccan destinations connected to 9 foreign markets.

Related Topics:Featured Morocco Revenue Tourism

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Culture

UNESCO lists Ghana’s Kente cloth as cultural heritage

Published

21 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The iconic Ghanaian Kente, a piece of clothing, has been recognized as a cultural heritage on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The global recognition, according to the UN body, is coming under the 2003 Convention for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights the cultural and historical significance of the vibrant, handwoven textile.

In a citation on its website, UNESCO describes the Kente cloth as “originating from Ghana’s Asante and Ewe communities and renowned worldwide for its bold colors, intricate patterns, and deep symbolic meanings, embodying the creativity and identity of the Ghanaian people.”

Ghana’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, described the recognition as a testament to Ghana’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage.

“This achievement places Ghana at the forefront of global efforts to safeguard and celebrate cultural traditions,” he noted.

In a statement acknowledging the recognition, Mercer said the “Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) expressed gratitude to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, UNESCO, and the artisans, cultural institutions, and traditional authorities who contributed to this milestone.”

“Special acknowledgement is given to the Bonwire and Agotime communities for their enduring role as custodians of the craft.

“As Ghana celebrates this historic moment, MoTAC reaffirms its dedication to promoting and preserving the nation’s rich cultural legacy.”

Culture

Ghanaian singer Afua Asantewaa takes another shot at GWR with sing-a-thon

Published

5 days ago

December 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, is set to take another shot at the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

In December 2023, Asantewaa had embarked on the sing-a-thon aiming to surpass the existing record held by Indian Sunil Waghmare, who sang for an impressive 105 hours from March 3 to March 7, 2012.

But despite her determination, her attempt fell short, resulting in her disqualification by the GWR from claiming the title.

In a statement announcing her second attempt for the sing-a-thon, Asantewaa’s manager, Gladys Osei Owiredu, said the songstress was determined to break the existing record as preparations are in full swing for her to take on the challenge.

According to Owiredu, the sing-a-thon which is scheduled to take place from December 21 to 25 at the Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi, will once again focus on Ghanaian songs with the aim of promoting local music to a global audience.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging, by way of preparations, but I can say she is ready,” said Owiredu.

“And like the first attempt, we are doing strictly Ghanaian songs. The objective is to promote our songs. We succeeded in doing so during the first attempt in Accra, and we believe it will reach greater heights in the second attempt,” she said.

Owiredu added that Asantewaa’s second attempt aims to exceed her previous achievement and further amplify the cultural significance of Ghanaian music on an international stage.

Asantewaa’s record-breaking endeavour has garnered the backing of several corporate organisations in Ghana including International Maritime Hospital, Ike’s Cafe and Grill, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, Perla Natural Mineral Water, Anointed Electrical Engineering, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, and Angel Group Limited.

“With the unwavering support of these sponsors and the determination of the Singathon team, all eyes will be on Kumasi as Afua Asantewaa takes to the stage for this monumental feat.
Ghana awaits with bated breath as she strives to make history,” Owiredu stated.