Morocco’s tourism sector is celebrating a record-breaking year, with 15.9 million visitors recorded by the end of November 2024, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to the government.
The month of November alone saw an impressive 1.3 million arrivals, a 31% rise from the previous year.
The surge in visitor numbers was partly driven by Moroccan residents living abroad, whose visits rose by 17%, contributing an additional 1.1 million tourists.
"We are witnessing an unprecedented phase in the history of tourism in Morocco. These exceptional figures are proof of the positive impact of the Tourism Roadmap and represent a major step towards achieving our goal of making Morocco one of the top 15 tourist destinations in the world," the statement quoted tourism minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor as saying.
The country has ambitious targets for the future. Morocco aims to attract 17.5 million visitors annually by 2026 and reach 26 million by 2030. The latter milestone coincides with Morocco’s co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, a major event expected to further boost the country’s global visibility and tourism sector.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy, accounting for approximately 9% of GDP in 2023 and serving as a significant source of employment and foreign currency. To maintain its upward trajectory, Morocco has expanded air routes to key markets and invested in promoting lesser-known destinations across the country, broadening its appeal to a diverse range of travelers.