The provided text gives an excellent overview of Morocco's appeal to tourists, particularly highlighting its proximity to Europe, diverse geography, all-year-round sun, and government focus on infrastructure.
Here is an analysis and expansion on the points mentioned, using information about the tourism sector's growth and the attractions of Northern Morocco:
I. Morocco's Successful Tourism Growth and Strategy
The article mentions a target of 10 million tourists by 2010, up from 7.5 million at the time the text was written.
Target Achieved (and Surpassed): Morocco successfully achieved and surpassed its goal. By 2010, international tourist arrivals reached approximately 9.3 million, and the country officially crossed the 10 million mark a few years later.
Continued Record-Breaking Growth: Tourism has continued to be a major economic driver. In 2023, Morocco welcomed a record 14.5 million tourists, a significant rebound that exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Current trends suggest an even higher figure for 2024.
Strategic Investment: The government's strategy, initiated under "Vision 2010" and continued with "Vision 2020," involved massive investment in infrastructure (airports, highways, seaports) and the development of designated tourist zones (like the Plan Azur coastal resorts) to improve facilities and capacity, confirming the point made in your text.
II. The Core Appeal of Morocco for European Tourists
The text accurately identifies the key draws for visitors choosing Morocco over established European destinations:
Exotic and Accessible: Morocco is the nearest exotic African destination, with only a short flight time from major European hubs (e.g., 2.5 hours from London, 1 hour from Madrid). This makes it highly competitive with European beach destinations.
Climate and Coastline:
All-Year-Round Sun: The ability to offer temperatures up to in January/February is a huge advantage over most of Europe.
Dual Coastline: Thousands of miles of beaches on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea cater to diverse interests, from surfing and watersports to relaxed sunbathing.
Cultural and Experiential Diversity: It appeals to travelers seeking “something more than the average” vacation. Morocco offers a profound cultural experience rooted in history, distinct from standard resorts.
Local Hospitality: The "friendly and eager to make progress" population enhances the visitor experience, contrasting with areas suffering from "tourist weary" locals.
III. Northern Morocco: The Ideal Introduction
The text is right to highlight Northern Morocco as an excellent entry point, a "heady mix of the exotic and the familiar" due to its proximity to Spain (less than ten miles at the Strait of Gibraltar) and centuries of Mediterranean influence.
Key attractions in Northern Morocco that offer this blend of familiarity and exoticism include:
Tangier: A historically cosmopolitan port city. It's a blend of old-world charm in its Kasbah and Medina with a modern, bustling energy. The city's cafés and literary history are particularly appealing to European visitors.
Tetouan: Known as the "White Dove," its old city (Medina) is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing a distinct Andalusian-style architecture from the time of the Moorish refugees.
Chefchaouen: Nestled in the Rif Mountains, this "Blue City" is famous worldwide for its striking blue-washed streets and buildings, offering a tranquil atmosphere and a unique photographic experience.
Asilah: A stunning, whitewashed coastal town on the Atlantic, known for its vibrant street art, Portuguese ramparts, and relaxed, artistic atmosphere, especially popular with Spanish visitors.
These northern cities provide a smooth cultural transition for first-time European visitors before they venture into the deeper deserts and mountains of the south.