Doha – Morocco’s tourism industry has made significant strides, with the country climbing an impressive 10 spots in the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) global ranking of tourism revenues.
The Ministry of Tourism announced that Morocco rose from 41st to 31st place between 2019 and 2023, showcasing the sector’s dynamism and resilience, as well as the effectiveness of the strategies the ministry has implemented in recent years.
The ministry emphasized that this remarkable ascent, one of the strongest among the top 50 global destinations, aligns with the goals set forth in the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap.
The plan aims to further enhance this momentum, setting an ambitious target of reaching MAD 120 billion ($12 billion) in foreign currency revenues by 2026.
To achieve this, the action plan focuses on two key areas: increasing the number of visitors to 17.5 million tourists by 2026 and enriching the national tourism offerings.
Morocco’s appeal as a tourist destination continues to grow, with arrivals reaching 13.1 million visitors by the end of September, an increase of around two million compared to the same period in 2023.
September alone saw 1.3 million tourists, a 33% rise from the previous year, with a 40% increase in foreign tourists.
Read also: Morocco Gears Up for 2030 World Cup Tourism Boom, Wary of Overtourism
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor attributed this success to targeted efforts, increased air connections, promotional campaigns, and the development of modern infrastructure and attractive tourism experiences.
The country’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, with Bloom Consulting’s 2024-2025 Country Brand Ranking/Tourism Edition report elevating Morocco to second place in Africa’s tourism rankings, surpassing South Africa for the first time.
The report highlighted Morocco’s advancements in social media engagement, online performance, and overall destination appeal, as well as its resilience in overcoming challenges such as the devastating earthquake in September 2023.
Morocco’s tourism revenues have also reached unprecedented heights, with foreign currency earnings totaling MAD 17 billion ($1.74 billion) in August, a nearly 20% increase compared to the previous year.
The overall revenues for the first eight months of 2024 stood at more than $7.83 billion, confirming the sector’s exceptional momentum since emerging from the COVID crisis.
Overnight stays in classified tourist accommodations exceeded 15.35 million in the first seven months of 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year, with international tourism surging by 13% to 10.9 million in July.
As Morocco continues to diversify and enrich its tourism offerings, the country is well-positioned to maintain its impressive growth and solidify its status as a leading global tourism destination.
With a clear roadmap and effective strategies in place, Morocco aims to attract over 17.5 million tourists by 2026 and 26 million tourists by 2030, further boosting its economy and showcasing its unique cultural heritage to the world.
