MOROCCO : banks on a 122% increase in tourists from Russia, Minister

Morocco banks on a 122% increase in the number of tourists coming from Russia by the end of 2009, that is 50,000 tourists compared to 16,220 last year, Tourism Minister, Mohamed Boussaid. Speaking on the sidelines of the 19th Moscow’s International Tourism Fair, Boussaid pointed to Morocco’s tourism offer, which, he said is on track to becoming one of the most popular destinations for the Russian tourism market.He recalled in that regard the different actions that have been taken to promote Morocco destination in Russia, including the creation of direct air routes between the two countries, the opening of a representation of Moroccan tourism in Moscow, and the inking of several agreements with key Russian travel agencies. Boussaid said Russian tourists arrivals to the Kingdom are spared from the negative impact of the international economic crunch given the stability of the Russian economy and the competitiveness of Morocco’s tourism services.