KEY POINTS
- Morocco welcomed 15.9 million tourists in 2024.
- Tourism revenue rose 9.3 percent, reaching 97 billion dirhams.
- Morocco aims to attract 26 million visitors by 2030.
Morocco’s tourism industry has hit a historic milestone, welcoming 15.9 million tourists in the first 11 months of 2024.
This record-breaking figure surpasses the total number of visitors received throughout 2023, highlighting the nation’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination.
The tourism ministry, in a statement released Monday, announced that arrivals were up 20 percent compared to the same period last year and 10% higher than the entire 2023 total.
Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s tourism minister, called the achievement a major step in the country’s roadmap to becoming one of the top 15 global tourist destinations.
“These remarkable figures prove the impact of our roadmap and represent a major step towards our goal of positioning Morocco among the top 15 global tourist destinations,” Ammor said.
Tourism accounts for approximately 7 percent of Morocco’s gross domestic product (GDP), making it a vital source of jobs and foreign currency.
Also, the government’s renewed focus on promoting new destinations, opening additional air routes, and encouraging the renovation of hotels is credited for driving the surge in arrivals.
Tourism revenue soars as Morocco eyes 2030 World Cup boost
The growth in tourist arrivals has been mirrored by an increase in revenue. From January to October 2024, tourism revenue rose by 9.3 percent, reaching 97 billion dirhams ($9.72 billion), according to official government figures.
According to Reuters, this revenue surge aligns with Morocco’s larger tourism strategy to attract 17.5 million visitors by 2026 and 26 million by 2030.
The 2030 milestone holds additional significance as Morocco is set to co-host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, an event that is expected to further boost tourist interest in the country.
The tourism ministry believes that the infrastructure investments and global exposure from the World Cup will give Morocco a competitive edge in the global tourism market.
However, the goal is to sustain growth and position Morocco as a top-tier destination for leisure, sports, and cultural tourism.
New routes, better hotels, and strategic goals drive tourism boom
Morocco’s strategy to enhance its tourism sector has revolved around increasing accessibility, improving accommodation, and promoting lesser-known destinations.
Key to this effort has been the establishment of new air routes connecting Morocco to critical international markets, making it easier for travelers to visit the country.
Additionally, the government has encouraged hotel renovations and the development of modern tourist infrastructure.
These efforts have contributed to the influx of visitors and will be crucial for achieving the ambitious targets set for 2026 and 2030.
Furthermore, with a clear roadmap, Morocco aims to capitalize on its cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks to remain a top choice for global travelers.
