Culture

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

Published

10 months 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

Egypt unveils stamp to mark 100th anniversary of relationship with Brazil

Published

12 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Egyptian Post Board has unveiled a stamp to mark its 100th anniversary of relations with Brazil.

The commemorative stamp which was unveiled on Thursday, is designed with an artistic image that contains some of the famous tourist attractions in both countries.

With a size of 4 cm by 6 cm,
the stamp is insured against counterfeiting, multi-colored, and is value 10 Egyptian pounds.

According to Dr. Sherif Farouk, Chairman of the Egyptian Post Board of Directors, the stamp is equipped with QR Code technology, with the aim of creating a “rich interactive experience for those who possess them, enabling them to acquire the necessary knowledge about this occasion in an innovative and attractive way.”

“Egyptian-Brazilian relations are characterized by mutual trust, and close and constructive cooperative relations,” Dr. Farouk said.

He further explained that during the past years, Egypt and Brazil were able to develop means of cooperation to include many fields, which informed the idea by Egyptian Post to take the initiative of issuing a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Egyptian-Brazilian relations

“The anniversary stamp has the aim of strengthening the strong diplomatic relations between the two countries,” he stated.

Dr. Farouk added that commemorative stamp is an important means of cultural communication between different countries of the world, and document the history of nations throughout the ages.

“Therefore, the Egyptian Post is always keen to issue commemorative stamps on important events and occasions to document and commemorate those events,” he noted.

Culture

Ghanaians celebrate return of Asante Gold artefacts looted by British

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Ghanaians, especially those from the ancient Asante region, have been in joyous mood as they flocked to the Manhyia Palace Museum in Kumasi, the capital of the region, to welcome the 32 golden artefacts which were returned to the Kingdom in a loan deal by the United Kingdom after they were looted about 150 years ago.

The agreement to loan back the artefacts to their original owners for an initial period of three years was reached between two British museums, the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) and British Museum, and the Asante King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, with a possible of further extending the loan period.

The returned precious items have been on display at palace museum since they were returned and have been a source of joy for the people as they troop in daily to see and have a feel of their ancient history.

The return of the artefacts also coincides with the silver jubilee celebration of the Asantehene.

Some of the items, described by as “Ghana’s crown jewels” were looted during the Anglo-Ashanti wars of the 19th Century, including the famous Sargrenti War of 1874.

Among the returned artefacts are the sword of state, gold peace pipe and gold badges worn by officials charged with cleansing the soul of the king.

Other items like the gold harp (Sankuo) which were given to a British diplomat in 1817.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who spoke on the significance of the returned items, said the dignity of the Kingdom has been restored.

“This is a day for Asante. A day for the Black African continent. The spirit we share is back.

“We acknowledge the very painful history surrounding the acquisition of these objects.

“These treasures have borne witness to triumph and trials of the great kingdom and their return to Kumasi is testament to the power of cultural exchange and reconciliation,” the King added.