Morocco Smashes Tourism Records, Draws 13.5 Million Visitors by August

Marrakech – Morocco’s tourism sector continues its remarkable upward trajectory, attracting 13.5 million tourists by the end of August, a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

The summer season delivered exceptional results with 4.6 million tourists visiting during July and August, representing a 6% increase over summer 2024. This performance demonstrates the ongoing momentum of Morocco’s tourism industry.

A notable highlight, according to the ministry, was the strong return of Moroccans Residing Abroad (MREs), who reached 3 million visitors between July and August, marking a 13% increase compared to last summer.

The ministry frames this surge as reflecting both the deep connection MREs maintain with their homeland and Morocco’s growing appeal to international travelers.

Yet, many within the diaspora did not return this year, often citing higher prices in accommodation and flights, as well as a noticeable decline in service quality and tourism offers.

This gap underscores a contradiction between the official narrative of record-breaking arrivals and the frustrations voiced by Moroccans abroad, whose absence remains significant despite the ministry’s celebratory tone.

The “impressive” figures, as the tourism authorities describe them, confirm Morocco’s increasing attractiveness and validate the strategic approach outlined in the tourism roadmap 2023-2026.

The roadmap prioritizes strengthening air connectivity and enhancing tourism offerings through various incentive mechanisms designed to stimulate investment in entertainment and accommodation.

Morocco’s tourism growth significantly outpaces global trends, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) forecasting worldwide tourism growth not to exceed 5% in 2025.

The strong performance follows an already robust showing earlier in the year. By the end of July, Morocco had welcomed 11.6 million tourists, representing a 16% increase from 2024 figures. This influx generated MAD 67 billion ($6.7 billion) in travel receipts during the first seven months of 2025, a 13% rise compared to the same period last year.

July alone proved particularly strong, with tourism revenues reaching MAD 13 billion ($1.3 billion), a substantial 26% increase over July 2024. The month saw 2.7 million visitors, including 1.8 million MREs.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor stressed, at the time, that this revenue growth demonstrates the increasing economic impact of the sector. “The rise in tourist arrivals and investments in tourism products strengthen Morocco’s position as a high-value-added destination. We continue our efforts to maintain this momentum,” she stated.

This performance builds on Morocco’s record-breaking 2024 tourism year, when the country welcomed 17.4 million visitors – approximately 20% more than the previous year – surpassing Egypt’s 15.7 million to lead North Africa in arrivals.

In 2024, travel receipts hit a record MAD 112.5 billion ($11.25 billion), up 7.5% from 2023, cementing Morocco’s position as North Africa’s tourism leader. The country effectively reached its 2023-2026 roadmap targets two years ahead of schedule.

Looking forward, Morocco aims to attract 26 million visitors by 2030, leveraging its role as a 2030 FIFA World Cup co-host and capitalizing on expanded air connectivity, diversified travel experiences, and large-scale hotel upgrades.

The tourism sector, which represents approximately 7% of Morocco’s GDP, continues to benefit from expanded air connectivity, with carriers like Ryanair launching 35 new routes in 2024 and Royal Air Maroc pursuing fleet expansion plans.