Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism sector made significant strides in job creation in 2023, generating 25,000 new jobs and exceeding the government’s initial target by 25%, according to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. This achievement underscores the pivotal role of tourism in driving employment and economic growth in the country.
Human capital at the heart of tourism growth
Speaking before Parliament during a session on tourism policy, Akhannouch emphasized that investing in human capital is key to ensuring the sector’s long-term success. “Infrastructure and strategic planning are important, but the true driver of development in tourism is skilled human resources,” he stated.
To enhance workforce qualifications, the government is set to launch a certification program in July 2024 aimed at recognizing and validating the skills of 7,500 tourism workers by 2026. This initiative seeks to raise professional standards, improve service quality, and create new career opportunities in the industry.
Training programs to boost skills and employment
Acknowledging the need for continuous professional development, the government has rolled out several ambitious training programs, including:
- “Horizons of excellence” – A project to modernize 12 hospitality training institutions to meet international standards through a public-private partnership.
- Specialized Training for Tourism Professionals – A program targeting the training of 9,000 specialized technicians to address the growing demand for skilled workers.
- Continuous Education for Excellence – A nationwide initiative to provide training opportunities for over 8,000 tourism professionals, ensuring ongoing skill enhancement and career growth.
Investment and competitiveness: A strong boost for the sector
Beyond job creation and training, the government is taking decisive steps to strengthen Morocco’s tourism competitiveness. The “GO SIYAHA” ( go to tourism) program, with a budget allocation of $74.2 million, aims to support 1,700 tourism enterprises between 2023 and 2026. This initiative is designed to enhance service quality, drive innovation, and encourage investment in the sector.
In addition, the National Investment Commission is actively backing major tourism projects to attract both domestic and international investors. Notably, Essaouira Mogador has emerged as a key investment destination, securing $237 million in funding from global tourism conglomerates. Similar projects are being developed across different regions to further expand Morocco’s tourism infrastructure.
A promising future for tourism-driven employment
Morocco’s stability, modern infrastructure, and favorable investment climate continue to position the country as a leading tourism hub. According to Akhannouch, Morocco’s appeal to international investors is not a coincidence but a strategic outcome of sound economic policies and long-term planning.
To further capitalize on this momentum, the government has introduced a project bank featuring over 200 tourism investment opportunities, tailored to the potential of various regions. This approach aims to diversify the tourism offering, create regional employment, and ensure balanced economic development.
With more than $824.7 million in projected investments for 2024, Morocco’s tourism sector is set to expand accommodation capacity, enhance services, and create even more job opportunities. The government’s proactive approach, centered on human capital development, investment incentives, and infrastructure enhancement, is paving the way for a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable tourism industry.
As Morocco continues to break records in tourist arrivals and sectoral growth, the emphasis on workforce development and investment attraction is expected to further solidify its position as a top travel destination in the coming years.
