The Moroccan Tourism Sector Continues to Break Records

The Moroccan tourism sector continues to grow with an 8.4% increase in travel revenues at the end of September. The Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen its attractiveness are bearing fruit, consolidating tourism as an essential pillar of the national economy.

Tourism continues to post exceptional results. Travel revenues reached 87.1 billion dirhams at the end of September 2024, marking an increase of 8.4% compared to the previous year and 44.7% compared to 2019. This dynamic demonstrates the success of the government’s recovery and promotion strategies, which are banking on tourism to stimulate economic growth and improve the balance of payments.

Revenues from the Moroccan tourism sector are growing

Since the reopening of borders and the lifting of health restrictions, Morocco has recorded an impressive recovery in tourism. In 2023, the Kingdom welcomed more than 14.5 million visitors, and by the end of September 2024, this number had already reached 13.1 million, an increase of 2 million compared to the same period in 2023 and 29% compared to 2019.

This growth in the Moroccan tourism sector reflects the renewed attractiveness of the Moroccan destination, supported by intensive promotional campaigns and structural improvements in the sector.

This increase in attendance has a direct impact on travel revenues, which represent an essential source of foreign currency for the Moroccan economy. The 87.1 billion dirhams generated by tourism at the end of September illustrate the vitality of the sector and its strategic role in the balance of payments.

A recovery strategy that is bearing fruit

To support this momentum, the government has deployed an ambitious recovery plan since its inauguration, accompanied by a new roadmap for the Moroccan tourism sector. These initiatives have made it possible to modernize the tourist offer and to intensify the promotion of new destinations beyond historic centers such as Marrakech. The objective is to diversify the offer in order to capture a wider audience and distribute tourist flows throughout the territory.

In this favorable context, Morocco is increasingly turning to the British market, identified as a strategic growth axis. With an ambitious target of one million British tourists for 2024, the Kingdom is aiming for a 23% increase compared to the previous year. This influx is supported by an increase in air links between the United Kingdom and Morocco, with departures from 14 British airports and a reinforced winter program.

A long-term vision for the Moroccan tourism sector

By 2030, the forecasts are optimistic. Morocco aims to increase the total number of visitors to 26 million, a spectacular leap that confirms its status as a rising destination in Africa and the world. This milestone is supported by colossal investments in infrastructure, global promotion initiatives, and a proliferation of hotel projects, particularly in emblematic cities such as Marrakech and Agadir.

This strategic vision is part of a dynamic where Morocco seeks to capitalize on its geographical position, its political stability and its rich cultural heritage to strengthen its tourist competitiveness. Large-scale investments in the Moroccan tourism sector are being deployed to modernize and diversify the hotel offer, in order to accommodate increasing flows of international tourists.

In Marrakech, a key city for Moroccan tourism, the number of hotel rooms is expected to jump by 46.8% by 2030, while Agadir, famous for its beaches and pleasant climate, is expected to see a 35.7% increase in its hotel stock over the same period.

Morocco knows that to attract travelers, it must stand out on the international stage. The organization of the 2030 World Cup, in collaboration with Spain and Portugal, represents an unprecedented opportunity for visibility for the Kingdom. But, beyond major events, Morocco is banking on a global approach to sustainably establish its tourist positioning.

The Moroccan tourism sector will also be sustained by the development of air links, particularly with European and American markets, the development of new transport infrastructures and the modernization of tourist facilities aim to guarantee a quality experience for visitors. Promotional campaigns, such as “Kingdom of Light”, highlight a varied offer that extends well beyond traditional cities, opening up territories hitherto little explored by foreign visitors.

__

(Featured image by  CALIN STAN via Unsplash)

DISCLAIMER: This article was written by a third party contributor and does not reflect the opinion of Born2Invest, its management, staff or its associates. Please review our disclaimer for more information.

This article may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “estimate,” “become,” “plan,” “will,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks as well as uncertainties, including those discussed in the following cautionary statements and elsewhere in this article and on this site. Although the Company may believe that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results that the Company may achieve may differ materially from any forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of the management of the Company only as of the date hereof. Additionally, please make sure to read these important disclosures.

First published in LES ECO.ma. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

Although we made reasonable efforts to provide accurate translations, some parts may be incorrect. Born2Invest assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions or ambiguities in the translations provided on this website. Any person or entity relying on translated content does so at their own risk. Born2Invest is not responsible for losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or reliability of translated information. If you wish to report an error or inaccuracy in the translation, we encourage you to contact us