Essay --

The positive economic impact of tourism in Morocco is huge. According to glObserver, a market research company, Morocco will have an estimated 14 million visitors bringing in $8.8 billion in annual revenues by the end of 2016 (Morocco Tourism Profile 2012). It does not seem like the inflow of money will slow down anytime soon. Foreign investments have been pouring into Morocco’s tourism sector and international hotel chains are building large resorts across the country. Development is occurring along the coast of Morocco in particular. This will draw real estate investors looking to gain exposure to the tourism and property markets. While it is positive that investment money is flowing into the country, much of the profits being made are escaping Morocco because foreign hotels are sending the earnings home to their country of origin. Due to the recent increase in tourism, foreign airlines are increasing the number of routes into the country. In addition to the real e state investments, there are other factors contributing to the influx of money entering Morocco. Morocco has a high level of literacy in addition to strong government support for the hospitality industry; these factors should contribute to the tourism industry growing for years to come in Morocco (Morocco Tourism Profile 2012). As well as the tourism industry is doing in Morocco, not everything is working well. Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air is in dire financial straits. The airline loses money on a monthly basis due to the high cost of fuel and labor. Several low cost carriers have stepped in to compete with Royal Air and expand the tourism industry despite Royal Air’s economic troubles. Socio-cultural: The second area that is important to examine... ...pacts to their environment due to the increase in tourism. The increase of tourism is taking a toll on the water supply in Morocco. Morocco naturally has very low renewable water supply. Large hotels, which include huge pools and fancy golf courses, require a gigantic amount of water in order to operate. Often times, this leaves civilians close by with little or no running water. While most residents of urban areas have access to running water, many people in rural areas do not have access. However the Moroccan government is trying to act in order to preserve their environment. One way Morocco is proactive in protecting its environment is through its planting programs. Every year, two million palm trees are planted and distributed throughout the south with an aim to deter the effects of the developing golf courses and hotels (Environment & Ethical Tourism.).