Moroccan Tourism:Two years delay for the Vision 2020 plan

It was also an opportunity for  tourism professionals to speak to the press about the tourism industry's prospects over the next few years, according to a report in the Morocan daily Aufait.

the number of tourists reached 8.7 million, and the number of nights exceeded 16 million at the end of November 2012. The average occupancy rate was 40.5%, a decrease of 3% compared to 2010.
 
In terms of performance, Morocco has achieved a 9% increase in package tours for summer 2012. However, despite this increase, a decrease of 10% over the whole year (the period between November 2011 and October 2012) is reported.

Whilst the Ministry of Tourism declared that the tourism sector was on track some professionals were more pessemistic saying that there was a very slow response to the Vision 2020 plan and it lacked visability.

Professionals also reported lower air services of about 22% for summer 2012 compared to 2011 and 16% in winter 2012 compared to 2011. It has resulted they said  in a shortfall of arrival, estimated at one million tourists, half of which flew with Royal Air Maroc. They expressed the concern that  fewer flight services would mean a slower rate of  hotel room occupancy . To be profitable hotels require a 65% occupancy. The rate In 2010 was 52% occupancy and today in Marrakech it is 47 % and the main reason is lack of air services according to  Abderrahim Oummani, Director of the Regional Council of Tourism Agadir.

Mr Ali Ghannam President of the Nartional Federation observed that a delay in follow up in the 44 measures included in the Vision 2020 Plan.
 
The main solution is to push airlines to "make low-cost in other regions such as Ouarzazate, which displays an occupancy rate of 19%," according to Abdellatif Kabbaj President of the National Federation of the hospitality industry.