As the year 2024 draws to a close, Morocco’s tourism industry is celebrating a historic breakthrough: according to the latest statistics, Morocco has received nearly 16 million foreign tourists this year, a 20% increase over the same period last year. This growth momentum puts Morocco on track to overtake Egypt as the largest tourist destination in Africa. With record tourism revenues in 2024, Morocco’s tourism market is booming and this trend is expected to continue expanding through 2025.
Morocco’s booming tourism industry
Morocco’s tourism industry has made remarkable achievements in recent years, especially in 2024, when tourist arrivals and tourism revenues reached record highs. Between January and November this year, Morocco received about 16 million foreign tourists, and this number is expected to continue to grow until the end of 2024. The Moroccan government’s long-term planning and efforts for tourism are gradually showing results.
Moroccan authorities have clearly set tourism development goals for the coming years, with plans to receive 17.5 million foreign tourists in 2025, further consolidating its position in the African and global tourism market. Compared with 2019, Morocco has already doubled the number of tourists received, a change that can be attributed to the Moroccan government’s continued investment in tourism facilities, infrastructure development and marketing.
Tourist preferences: Marrakech, Casablanca and other cities favored
The most popular tourist cities in Morocco include Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir and Tangier. As one of the most famous tourist destinations in Morocco, Marrakech attracts a large number of tourists from Europe and other regions. Known as the “Red City”, Marrakech attracts thousands of tourists with its unique cultural heritage, ancient markets and stunning Alpine landscapes.
The popularity of Marrakech is closely linked to the network of flights offered by low-cost airlines. There are frequent flights from France to Morocco, especially between Paris and Marrakech, with multiple flights almost every day. This makes Morocco one of the top destinations for French tourists.
Casablanca, the economic and commercial center of Morocco, attracts an increasing number of business travelers and cultural tourists. Agadir attracts vacationers with its pleasant climate and beautiful beaches, while Tangier is a unique location where East meets West and is the starting point for many tourists to learn about Moroccan history and culture.
Behind Morocco’s tourism success: policy support and safe environment
The growth of Morocco’s tourism industry is not just a coincidence, but the result of a long-term government drive. The Moroccan government has invested in infrastructure development, improved tourism facilities, enhanced the accessibility of transportation networks, and strengthened safety and security measures for tourists. In particular, in 2024, Morocco has made tourism revenue an important part of the national economy, with tourism accounting for 7% of GDP (PIB). This figure reflects the importance that the Moroccan government attaches to tourism and its efforts to attract tourists.
In addition to infrastructure development, Morocco’s political and social stability has created a favorable environment for the rapid development of tourism. In recent years, Morocco has become a relatively safe tourist destination in the MENA region, attracting a large number of tourists from Europe. For example, a French tourist said in an interview that he had originally planned to travel to Lebanon, but due to the unstable security situation in the Middle East, he eventually chose Morocco as an alternative destination.
The potential offered by the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the World Cup in 2030
Morocco’s tourism growth prospects are set to break new ground in 2025 when the country hosts the African Cup of Nations (CAN), a major sporting event expected to attract 500,000 tourists to watch and travel. The soccer tournament, a major sporting event in Morocco, will not only attract fans from all over Africa, but will also give a big boost to Morocco’s international popularity. Especially considering that Morocco’s tourism infrastructure has been gradually improved, the Africa Cup of Nations will become an important platform for Morocco to show the world its tourism charm and modern development.
In the more distant future, Morocco will also co-host the World Cup in 2030, which will further enhance Morocco’s competitiveness in the global tourism market. As one of the world’s largest and most influential sporting events, the World Cup will surely attract thousands of foreign tourists to Morocco, which will give a huge boost to Morocco’s hotels, restaurants, transportation and other related industries.
The dominant position of French tourists and the growth of other countries
The main countries of origin of tourists in Morocco include France, the United Kingdom and Germany. France is one of the largest sources of tourists to Morocco, with a large number of French tourists traveling to the country every year, especially after the opening of the route between Marrakech and Casablanca, which has seen an increase in the number of French tourists year after year. There has also been a significant increase in British tourists, with a growth rate of 47% in 2023. This not only reflects the interest of British tourists in Morocco’s culture, history, and tourism resources, but also illustrates Morocco’s growing appeal in the European market.
Morocco is also attracting more tourists from other European and Asian countries as the air transportation network continues to expand. The popularity of low-cost airlines and the promotion of international routes by the Moroccan government have made Morocco one of the ideal destinations for global travelers.
Conclusion: Morocco’s global tourism potential
Morocco is emerging as an up-and-coming force in the global tourism market and is experiencing rapid growth thanks to its rich historical heritage, stunning natural landscapes, unique cultural experiences and robust political environment. With major sporting events such as the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and the World Cup of Nations in 2030, Morocco’s international reputation and tourism appeal will be further enhanced. Morocco is expected to become not only the number one tourist destination in Africa, but also a popular choice for global travelers.
