Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism industry reached new heights by the end of October 2024, attracting 14.6 million visitors, according to Fatim-Zahra Ammor, the Minister of Tourism, Traditional Industry, Social Economy, and Solidarity. This milestone surpasses the total number of tourists for the entirety of 2023, signaling a swift recovery and sustained growth for the sector.

The impressive figures mark a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2023, translating to an additional 2.3 million tourists. Notably, growth was fueled by a 22% rise in foreign tourist arrivals, equivalent to over 1.3 million visitors, and a 16% uptick among Moroccans residing abroad, totaling an increase of one million arrivals.

October sets new benchmarks

October 2024 emerged as a standout month, welcoming approximately 1.5 million tourists—a remarkable 30% increase from October of the previous year. Minister Ammor attributed this success to strategic initiatives under the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap, emphasizing Morocco’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the sector’s performance under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.

Boosting connectivity through strategic partnerships

A key driver behind this growth has been Morocco’s efforts to expand connectivity and accessibility. This was underscored by the recent announcement in Dakhla, where Ammor signed an agreement with Ryanair to introduce two new international routes linking the city to Madrid and Lanzarote. The deal is part of a broader three-year partnership with the airline, aiming to provide 10 million airline seats for travel to and from Morocco by 2027. For 2024 alone, Ryanair will offer 5.6 million seats, including 500,000 domestic seats—a 37% increase over 2023.

Currently, Ryanair operates 15 aircraft across Morocco, with bases in Marrakech, Agadir, Fes, Tangier, and a new hub planned for Rabat. These partnerships play a pivotal role in expanding Morocco’s reach to international markets and boosting its tourism appeal.

Dakhla’s role as a rising tourism star

Dakhla is positioned to play a crucial role in Morocco’s tourism roadmap. Known for its unique blend of desert and ocean, the city has emerged as a top destination for water sports and adventure tourism. In 2024, Dakhla registered 250,000 overnight stays, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year. Hotel occupancy rates have also seen notable growth, rising by 7 percentage points to reach a 40% fill rate.

Efforts to enhance air connectivity in Dakhla have paid off, with a 30% increase in air travel capacity, totaling 31,000 seats this year. The city currently hosts weekly flights from Paris via Royal Air Maroc and Transavia, along with connections to Las Palmas through Binter Canarias. Beginning in January 2025, Ryanair will operate new routes to Madrid and Lanzarote, adding an estimated 16,000 seats and increasing capacity by 50%.

Looking ahead: Sustaining growth

With these record-breaking numbers, Morocco continues to establish itself as a top-tier destination on the global stage. Minister Ammor reiterated the country’s commitment to developing a diverse and inclusive tourism sector, leveraging its unique regional offerings to attract and captivate travelers from around the world. As Morocco works to reach its target of 17.5 million tourists by 2026, the nation remains focused on enhancing service quality, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.