Rabat – Morocco’s tourism industry is surging in 2024, with a 12.8% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter compared to the same period last year.
According to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF), tourist arrivals reached 3.3 million by the end of March, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by a significant 31.6% compared to the first quarter of 2019.
This positive trend, driven by both international visitors and Moroccans living abroad, puts the country in a favorable position for this year, with the potential to surpass the record year of 13.2 million visitors in 2023.
This growth is fueled by strong performances across all three months of the quarter, with January, February, and March seeing increases of 10.4%, 17.9%, and 10.2% respectively.
The rise in tourist arrivals translates to a near-full recovery in the sector’s value added. The DEPF reports that tourism value added reached 98.3% of its pre-crisis level, a significant improvement from 80.5% the previous year.
However, tourism revenue shows a different story, with a 6.7% decline compared to the same period in 2023. Despite this drop, revenue remains significantly higher by 40.4% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This positive momentum follows a record-breaking year for the tourism sector in 2023. The Ministry of Tourism has revealed that the country welcomed a staggering 13.2 million visitors, surpassing the previous annual record of 12.9 million set in 2019.
Tourist revenues also reached impressive heights, reaching MAD 97.4 billion ($9.8 billion) by the end of November 2023, a 15.8% increase year-on-year.
Looking beyond the immediate gains, Morocco has its sights set on a potential 2030 World Cup co-hosted with Spain and Portugal. Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor believes this global sporting event presents a “huge opportunity for tourism,” further solidifying ongoing tourism development plans.
With the industry continuing on this upward trajectory, Morocco appears poised to solidify its position as a leading tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality.
