Casablanca – Morocco has shattered its previous tourism records, welcoming a historic 17.4 million visitors in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy. This achievement surpasses the ambitious targets outlined in the country’s tourism roadmap, initially set for 2026, reflecting the sector’s remarkable growth and resilience.
The latest data reveals a 20% increase in tourism arrivals compared to 2023, adding nearly 3 million more tourists. The number of visitors is a significant boost for Morocco’s economy, underscoring the nation’s growing appeal as a global tourist destination. Tourism plays a vital role in Morocco’s economy, contributing approximately 7% to its GDP and serving as a key source of foreign exchange and employment.
The surge in visitors has been driven by a strong increase in both foreign tourists and Moroccans residing abroad (MRE). Foreign tourist arrivals (TES) reached an impressive 8.8 million, marking a 23% rise from the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of MREs visiting Morocco also saw a notable increase, with 8.6 million arrivals, up 17% from 2023. This balanced distribution, with TES accounting for 51% and MREs 49%, highlights Morocco’s broad appeal across both international and domestic segments.
Minister of Tourism, Crafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, praised the results, attributing the record-breaking performance to targeted investments by the government and the collective efforts of tourism professionals. She noted, “This record of 17.4 million visitors is a testament to the tremendous progress Morocco has made, guided by the visionary leadership King Mohammed VI. It is also a reflection of the hard work and dedication of all stakeholders in the sector.”
Morocco’s success in surpassing the 2024 target is a significant milestone on the path to the country’s broader tourism goals. The Ministry is confident that the sector will continue to flourish, with projections indicating that Morocco will reach 26 million visitors annually by 2030. This ambitious target aligns with the country’s role as a co-host for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, alongside Spain and Portugal, which is expected to attract even more global attention.
In addition to promoting popular tourist destinations, Morocco has also invested in expanding air routes and enhancing domestic tourism offerings. New destinations within the country have been promoted, and there has been a push for hotel renovations to accommodate the growing influx of tourists.
Tourism revenue for 2024 is expected to surpass $11 billion, following a 7.2% increase from January to November. With these results, Morocco has firmly established itself as Africa’s number one tourist destination, exceeding pre-pandemic figures by 35%.
As the sector continues to grow, Morocco remains committed to fostering sustainable tourism development, ensuring that the country remains a top choice for travelers worldwide.
