Doha – Morocco’s tourism sector has achieved unprecedented success in 2024, with revenue expected to surpass MAD 110 billion ($11 billion), according to Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor’s announcement at the Chamber of Representatives.
The country welcomed 17.4 million tourists in 2024, marking a 20% increase from 2023 and a 35% rise compared to 2019.
The visitor composition showed a balanced distribution between foreign tourists (8.8 million, with a 23% increase) and Moroccan residents abroad (8.6 million, with a 17% increase).
The tourism sector currently employs 827,000 people, having created 25,000 new jobs in the past year.
These achievements are attributed to various government initiatives, including a MAD 2 billion ($200 million) emergency plan and a new tourism roadmap backed by a MAD 6.1 billion ($610 million) budget.
In preparation for upcoming major sporting events – the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup – the government has launched the “Cap Hospitality” program.
This initiative aims to modernize classified tourist accommodations, targeting the renovation of 25,000 rooms through a MAD 2 billion ($200 million) investment.
The domestic tourism sector has also shown strong performance, accounting for 8.5 million overnight stays in classified hotels during 2024, representing 30% of total overnight stays.
This success has positioned Morocco as Africa’s leading tourist destination, surpassing Egypt, which received 15.7 million visitors in the same year.
While Morocco’s tourism revenue reached $11 billion in 2024, Egypt recorded $14.1 billion in tourism earnings.
Morocco’s growth has been supported by expanded connectivity, including 120 new airline routes introduced in 2024, such as a direct United Airlines connection between Newark and Marrakech.
The country has also attracted international luxury hotel brands, including Four Seasons and Nobu, enhancing its hospitality infrastructure.
Looking ahead, Morocco aims to welcome 26 million tourists by 2030, when it will co-host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
