Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism sector is enjoying a significant rebound, with record-breaking bookings and a remarkable influx of visitors as the country prepares for the New Year celebrations. By the end of November 2024, Morocco welcomed 15.9 million tourists, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This surge in numbers underscores the recovery of the sector, driven by a rise in international tourists and a notable return of Moroccans residing abroad.

Marrakech, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, is experiencing a particularly high demand for accommodations, with many hotels fully booked, especially in the luxury segment. The city is attracting a diverse range of tourists, from international celebrities to travelers from various nationalities, all eager to celebrate the New Year in the enchanting city. Many of the city’s upscale hotels have been fully booked weeks in advance, signaling the city’s growing global appeal.

Beyond Marrakech, the Drâa-Tafilalet region, home to the iconic Merzouga desert, is also seeing a surge in tourist numbers. The region is at the height of its peak season, with the festive period providing a final boost to tourism. Tourists are flocking to the desert to experience unique, unforgettable moments under the stars in traditional desert camps. The region’s distinctive offerings are drawing a wide range of visitors, from those seeking luxury to others in search of an adventurous and cultural experience.

Despite the luxury accommodation options in the Drâa-Tafilalet region being more limited compared to cities like Marrakech, the sector is expanding. The increasing variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and desert camps, is allowing the region to cater to a broader array of travelers.

The surge in tourism is the result of Morocco’s strategic investments in tourism infrastructure, global promotional campaigns, and the country’s successful hosting of major events such as the FIFA Club World Cup. These efforts have helped raise Morocco’s profile as a top global tourist destination.

As the New Year approaches, expectations for Morocco’s tourism sector remain high, with further growth anticipated for 2025 and beyond. The country’s tourism success story reflects the positive impact of the government’s roadmap to strengthen the sector and further elevate Morocco as one of the world’s top 15 tourist destinations.

“We are witnessing a new chapter in Moroccan tourism,” said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Crafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. “These outstanding figures are proof of the effectiveness of our tourism strategy and bring us closer to our goal of positioning Morocco among the world’s most sought-after destinations.”