Morocco tourism surges with 11.6 million visitors in first seven months of 2025

Morocco’s tourism sector continued its strong rebound in 2025, recording 11.6 million visitors by the end of July, an increase of 16% compared to the same period last year, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF).

The DEPF’s latest economic report highlights that tourism value added rose by 9.7% in the first quarter of 2025, compared with 3.2% a year earlier, confirming the sector’s momentum. July alone brought 2.7 million arrivals, including 1.8 million Moroccans residing abroad, reflecting the peak summer season and the annual Marhaba operation.

Hotel occupancy data also showed strong growth. Overnight stays in classified establishments increased by 13% at the end of June, compared with 8.4% over the same period in 2024.

This performance was driven by a 14% rise in the second quarter of 2025, following an 11.7% increase in the first quarter. Foreign tourists accounted for most of this growth, with non-resident overnight stays up 16%, while stays by residents rose by 5%, reversing a 2% decline the previous year.

Tourism revenues also strengthened significantly. Travel receipts grew by 16.7% in the second quarter of 2025 after a modest 2.2% increase in the first quarter. Overall, revenues reached nearly 54 billion dirhams by the end of June, up 9.6% year-on-year.

Analysts say the sustained growth reflects Morocco’s diversified tourism offering, combining cultural cities such as Marrakech and Fez with desert expeditions, coastal resorts, and mountain trekking. Infrastructure upgrades and expanded air connectivity have also bolstered the country’s competitiveness.

The sector’s dynamism comes as Morocco positions itself for major international events. Officials view tourism as a key driver of foreign exchange earnings and job creation, and the DEPF report suggests the industry is on track to exceed pre-pandemic levels well before 2030.