Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism sector has achieved unprecedented growth in 2025, setting new records in visitor numbers, revenues, and infrastructure development, reinforcing the country’s position as Africa’s leading tourist destination. This remarkable performance comes amid ongoing global economic challenges and less than a decade after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted travel worldwide.

Fatima Zahra Amour, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, revealed in Marrakech that Morocco welcomed more than 13.5 million tourists in the first eight months of 2025. This represents an increase of 4.3 million visitors compared to 2019, a year considered a benchmark before the pandemic. For perspective, in 2019, Morocco received just over 4 million tourists during the same period.

Tourism revenues have also seen a substantial increase. The sector generated over $6.9 billion in the first eight months of 2025, up by $2.7 billion compared with the same period in 2019. These figures underscore Morocco’s growing role as a top destination for international travelers, with the country outperforming forecasts by major global tourism organizations. The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) had projected a modest growth of 5% for Morocco this year, but the actual growth reached 15%, demonstrating the sector’s robust recovery and resilience.

Amour attributed this success primarily to government policies and investments aimed at supporting the sector during and after the COVID-19 crisis. The Moroccan government allocated $825 million to strengthen tourism, including $103 million under an emergency plan and $619 million dedicated to implementing a strategic tourism roadmap. These measures were aimed at revitalizing the sector, encouraging new investment, and modernizing tourism infrastructure across the country.

Marrakech, in particular, continues to play a central role in Morocco’s tourism landscape. Menara Airport, which welcomed about 3 million visitors annually in 2019, now receives 4.3 million tourists each year. Hotels in the city have maintained an average occupancy rate of 70% throughout the year, while five new hotels have opened each month over the past four years. These developments highlight Marrakech’s significance as both a tourist and political hub and reflect a broader trend of sustained investment in urban tourism infrastructure.

The Ministry of Tourism also reported that Morocco enjoyed an “exceptional” summer this year. In July and August alone, the country received 4.6 million tourists, a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2024. By the end of August 2025, the total number of tourists reached approximately 13.5 million, surpassing expectations and confirming Morocco’s ability to attract international visitors consistently.

Observers note that Morocco’s record-breaking performance reflects the country’s ability to recover quickly from global disruptions and establish itself as a top-tier destination for international tourism. The strong growth is not only a testament to government support but also to the resilience of Morocco’s tourism operators, including hotels, airlines, and local attractions. The sector is seen as a crucial driver of economic growth, creating jobs and generating foreign exchange, while also promoting Morocco’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

The minister emphasized that these achievements represent more than just numbers; they signal Morocco’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, economic diversification, and global competitiveness. With continued government support, strategic investment in infrastructure, and targeted promotion of the country’s diverse attractions, Morocco is positioned to maintain its leadership in African tourism while appealing to travelers worldwide.

2025 has proven to be a landmark year for Moroccan tourism. With 13.5 million visitors, $6.9 billion in revenue, and ongoing expansion in hospitality infrastructure, Morocco is emerging stronger than ever as a leading global tourist destination. The sector’s continued growth highlights the effectiveness of government policies and underscores the country’s potential for sustained economic and cultural impact in the years to come.