Morocco welcomed a record-breaking 14.5 million tourists in 2023, representing a 34% increase compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, according to a report by the Thematic Group for the Evaluation of Public Policies in the Tourism Sector of the House of Councilors.
This influx of visitors generated MAD 105 billion (approximately $10.5 billion) in tourism revenue, marking a 12% increase from 2022.
The report further highlights the notable growth in overnight stays at classified accommodation establishments, reaching 25.6 million in 2023. This translates to a 35% increase compared to 2022 and a 1.5% rise from 2019.
The positive trend continues into 2024, with over 5.9 million tourists arriving by the end of May, reflecting a 772,000 increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This performance is attributed to the implementation of the government’s ambitious tourism roadmap for 2023-2026, backed by an unprecedented financial commitment of MAD 6.1 billion.
The strategy aims to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026, create 200,000 new jobs, boost tourism revenue to MAD 120 billion, and solidify tourism’s position as a cornerstone of the national economy.
The roadmap centers on a revamped tourism offering tailored to the customer experience, encompassing nine thematic sectors: city tourism, nature and adventure tourism, ocean and waves tourism, business tourism, desert and oases tourism, beach and sun tourism, cultural routes, and domestic tourism.
To achieve these goals, the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy that includes stimulating air transport through the establishment of a collaboration agreement with Royal Air Maroc (RAM) to quadruple RAM’s fleet from 50 to 200 aircraft by 2037.
Morocco has also launched 24 new international routes from eight key source markets, while 11 new domestic air routes have been opened. Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is being positioned as a major hub for connecting to international destinations.
The country has also been promoting domestic tourism through various initiatives, including the establishment of a national platform for domestic tourism and the development of targeted marketing campaigns.
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