Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism sector continues to surge in 2025, with 8.9 million international tourist arrivals recorded in the first six months of the year — a remarkable 19% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This means the country attracted 1.4 million more visitors than it did in the first half of last year, according to figures released by the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy.

The sector’s performance in the first half of 2025 confirms a sustained upward trend and positions Morocco as one of the leading travel destinations in the region. Tourism officials are optimistic about the outlook for the remainder of the year, especially with the summer season now underway — traditionally the peak period for both international and domestic tourism in the Kingdom.

June breaks all records

The month of June 2025 was particularly significant, registering 1.7 million tourist arrivals — an 11% increase over June 2024. This makes it the best-performing June ever recorded in Moroccan tourism history, signaling robust momentum ahead of the summer peak.

Officials attribute this growth to a combination of factors: improved international air connectivity, targeted promotional campaigns, the return of large-scale cultural and sporting events, and the easing of global travel restrictions. The country’s diverse offerings — from coastal cities like Agadir and Essaouira to mountain getaways in the Atlas and heritage-rich destinations like Fez and Marrakech — continue to attract a wide variety of tourists.

Government strategy and minister’s vision

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor hailed the results as proof of Morocco’s strong global appeal and resilience. “These figures confirm not only the attractiveness of our destination, but also our ability to adapt, innovate, and meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding global clientele,” she stated in a recent press briefing.

Looking ahead to the second half of the year, Ammor emphasized two strategic priorities for her ministry: strengthening air transport links and accelerating the development of accommodation and entertainment infrastructure. “Our goal is to ensure tourists have a seamless and enriching experience — from the moment they arrive to the time they leave,” she said.

Earlier this year, the Minister also revealed that tourism revenues for the first five months of 2025 had reached $3.7 billion, representing an 8% increase over the same period in 2024. Additionally, overnight stays across Moroccan hotels and guesthouses totaled 11.8 million — up 13% — while 7.2 million tourists visited the country in that time, marking a 22% year-on-year rise.

Domestic tourism gaining ground

While international tourism continues to drive growth, domestic tourism — long underutilized — is increasingly becoming a key focus of the national strategy. The Ministry has acknowledged the importance of fostering local travel habits, not only as a buffer in times of global instability, but also as a means to stimulate regional economies and support small tourism operators.

However, challenges remain. Rising prices during peak travel seasons, limited transportation options in remote areas, and uneven distribution of hospitality infrastructure have made domestic travel less accessible for many Moroccan families. In a recent parliamentary appearance, Ammor highlighted ongoing efforts to make domestic tourism more competitive, including the launch of subsidized travel packages, promotional offers for local tourists, and better integration with national rail and bus systems.

Toward a sustainable, competitive future

Beyond visitor numbers, the government is placing increasing emphasis on the quality and sustainability of the tourism offer. Initiatives like the upcoming “Mystery Visits” program — designed to assess and improve the quality of hospitality services — are part of a broader effort to align Morocco’s tourism model with international best practices.

Moreover, with the 2030 FIFA World Cup on the horizon — which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal — the country is investing heavily in infrastructure, training, and digital transformation within the tourism and service sectors.

The first half of 2025 has positioned Morocco on solid footing for what could be a record-breaking year for tourism. With continued investment, strategic planning, and a renewed focus on both international visitors and the domestic market, the Kingdom appears well on its way to achieving its long-term tourism goals.

As Morocco strengthens its place on the global travel map, the challenge now is to maintain quality, ensure sustainability, and ensure that the benefits of this growth are shared across all regions and communities.