Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism sector has continued its upward trajectory into 2025, building on a strong foundation laid in 2024. The latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy show that the number of visitors to Morocco has increased by 24% in the first two months of the year, compared to the same period in 2024. This marks a significant boost in the country’s position as one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa and globally.

According to the ministry, nearly 2.7 million tourists passed through the country’s borders by the end of February 2025. This growth has been particularly impressive in the context of Morocco’s already exceptional performance in 2024, which saw a 20% increase in the number of international visitors compared to the previous year. The first two months of 2025 alone saw an addition of approximately 521,000 visitors, a clear sign of the ongoing vitality of Morocco’s tourism industry.

The month of February 2025 saw nearly 1.4 million arrivals, an increase of 22% compared to February 2024. This was driven by growth across multiple segments of the market. Foreign tourists were up by 18%, contributing an additional 119,000 visitors to the total number. At the same time, the number of Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) visiting the country saw an even larger increase of 26%, with 130,000 more MREs visiting Morocco compared to the same month last year.

The strong performance in the first two months of 2025 reflects the positive impact of the broader tourism strategy initiated by the Moroccan government in recent years. Efforts to diversify the types of tourism, promote local experiences, and enhance infrastructure have clearly paid off. In particular, the country has managed to attract a higher number of visitors from key international markets, such as Europe and the Middle East, in addition to its growing appeal to tourists from across Africa.

In terms of revenue, Morocco’s tourism sector has been a significant contributor to the country’s economy. In 2024, the sector generated a record approximately $11 billion in foreign exchange revenue, a 43% increase compared to 2019. This growth has been vital in supporting Morocco’s overall economic development and creating new employment opportunities, especially in regions outside major cities like Casablanca and Marrakesh.

Tourism continues to be one of the most important sources of foreign currency for Morocco, alongside remittances from Moroccans abroad. The impressive rise in visitor numbers has also led to job creation in the hospitality and service sectors, as well as providing a boost to other related industries such as transportation, retail, and agriculture. The economic benefits of tourism are also felt in the creation of opportunities for youth and local businesses, further contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

Fatim-Zahra Ammor, the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, highlighted the sector’s positive trajectory in a recent statement, noting that the 24% increase in tourist arrivals during the first two months of 2025 was a clear reflection of Morocco’s growing appeal as a global destination. “The additional half a million visitors in just two months is a remarkable achievement that underscores Morocco’s position among the world’s top destinations,” Ammor stated. She added that every visitor choosing Morocco contributes directly to the economic growth of the regions, job creation, and the integration of youth into the workforce.

The continued success of Morocco’s tourism sector is also attributed to the effective leadership of King Mohammed VI, whose vision has guided the country toward greater global prominence. As Morocco remains focused on expanding its tourism offerings, including the development of new tourist hubs, improving infrastructure, and enhancing digital services for visitors, the country is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.

With the solid performance at the beginning of 2025, Morocco’s tourism sector is well on track to achieve even greater heights in the coming months, reinforcing its position as one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.