KEY POINTS
- Tourism plays a vital role in Morocco’s economy, contributing approximately $8 billion to the GDP annually.
- The sector provides thousands of jobs, particularly benefiting youth and women in various industries.
- Tourism is a significant source of foreign currency, supporting Morocco’s economic stability.
Tourism in Morocco has become one of the developing sectors in Morocco with numerous impacts to the entire economy.
Home to powerful sources of exoticism, owning a rich history and cultural intensity; Morocco welcomes millions of tourists yearly, making it one of Africa’s most desired vacation destinations.
Tourism is therefore an important part of Morocco’s economy because it brings in large numbers of people who in turn pay for what they need, it increases employment opportunities, and it boosts the country’s effort to preserve cultural heritage.
Contribution to GDP
Tourism has become an important sector of Morocco’s economic model, providing in 2019 an estimated MAD 81.4 billion ($8 billion) that is 7.1 percent of the country’s GDP.
This contribution is not only financially significant but also contributes to the creation of new economic effects and increases existing effects in various fields such as retail sale, accommodation services, transportation etc.
Vision 2020 was launched by the government to make Morocco fall in the list of twenty most popular tourist destinations with the target of generating tourism income as much as twenty percent of its GDP.
Employment generation
Tourism is a vital source of employment in Morocco, directly supporting 565,000 jobs as of 2019, which represented about 5.0 percent of the country’s workforce.
These jobs span various sectors, such as hotels, tour operations, and restaurants, providing opportunities for both skilled and unskilled labor.
Additionally, tourism plays a significant role in empowering youth and women, who find employment in areas such as craft production, hospitality, and culinary arts.
The expansion of tourism-driven job opportunities has been instrumental in reducing unemployment and promoting social stability, particularly in rural areas.
Foreign exchange earnings
Tourism is, thus, among the key sectors relevant to the balance of payments and the foreign exchange supply in Morocco.
The international tourist spending totaled $7.8 billion in 2018, and it has been increasing that contributes to Morocco’s economic sustainability.
This inflow of foreign currency is particularly important for funding importation of goods and for defending the national currency and in general defining the stability of Morocco’s economy.
Infrastructure development and urban revitalization
Due to its increased ability to attract tourists Morocco has embarked on an expansion of infrastructure facilities.
This is evidenced by airport development in large cities such as Marrakech and Casablanca, road development to tourist destinations, and new hotel and resort constructions.
These infrastructure constructions have not only a positive impact for the tourists, but also for the local communities in terms of accessibility, improvement in property prices as well as the opportunities for business developments.
Also, renewed projects within such historical cities, such as Fez, and Marrakech contribute to the conservation of architectural history as it fosters an inviting ambiance for both visitors and inhabitants of the cities.
Promotion of cultural heritage and local arts
Morocco’s tourism sector has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The restoration of historic sites, including ancient medinas, palaces, and mosques, helps to protect Morocco’s cultural legacy.
Additionally, cultural festivals such as the Marrakech International Film Festival and the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music attract tourists while celebrating Moroccan traditions, arts, and crafts.
These initiatives create economic opportunities for local artisans, musicians, and performers, reinforcing Morocco’s identity as a cultural hub and enhancing its appeal on the international stage.
Sustainable tourism and eco-friendly initiatives
In recent years, Morocco has focused on promoting sustainable tourism to protect its natural environment.
The government encourages eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction, conservation efforts, and sustainable management of tourist sites. Programs like the “Green Key” eco-label certify hotels and resorts committed to environmental sustainability, attracting eco-conscious travelers and setting a standard for sustainable tourism.
Morocco’s dedication to eco-friendly tourism not only enhances its reputation but also aligns with global trends toward responsible travel, ensuring the longevity of its natural resources and scenic landscapes for future generations.
Challenges and future prospects
Morocco has proved stable and has grown rapidly to be a competitive player in this sector despite facing the following challenges; competition from other North African countries and Mediterranean nations, world economic shifts, and skilled labour for the boom in tourism.
To overcome these problems, Moroccan authorities go on developing new opportunities of tourist attraction by choosing new regions in Asia and Latin America and by developing the niche tourism sectors including the adventure, wellness, and cultural tourism.
Such endeavours, in conjunction with the backing from the Moroccan government, and more targeted investment, are a clear aperture for the Moroccan tourism sector to grow sustainably and have a broader based economic benefit.
