Morocco Set to Receive More than Twenty Million Tourist Arrivals and One Hundred Twenty Billion Dirhams in Tourism Receipts by this Year, Focusing on its Innovation and Sustainability Growth

Published on November 7, 2025

Morocco expects to surpass the tourism targets it had set for 2025, reaching 20 million tourist arrivals and over 120 billion dirhams in tourism receipts by the close of the year, beating the initial targets set for 2026. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the country received 15 million visitors during the period ending September 2025, while foreign currency earnings stood at 87 billion dirhams by August, a rise of 14% in tourism arrivals and revenues compared to last year.

This growth trajectory reflects the efforts undertaken by Morocco in transforming itself into one of the premium destinations for leisure and business tourism. The success indicates significant advances within tourism development strategies that have focused on expanding connectivity, improving tourism infrastructure, and investing in sustainable practices for long-term growth.

Key Drivers of Tourism Growth in Morocco

One of the main drivers of this growth is the global rebound in travel, which has brought a surge of visitors to destinations like Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, and Rabat, as well as Morocco’s stunning coastal areas and the Sahara Desert. Additionally, Morocco’s visibility on the global stage has significantly increased since the 2022 World Cup, where the country’s sporting achievements and cultural influence captured worldwide attention.

Ammor also pointed out that Morocco’s tourism growth is being supported by the country’s expanded air connectivity, with the addition of 120 new routes in 2024 and 80 more routes in 2025. These expansions are crucial for tapping into global markets, and the introduction of the Atlanta-Marrakech route, connecting Morocco to the US market through the world’s largest hub, significantly enhances Morocco’s appeal to US-based tourists. This expanded connectivity is vital for sustaining the upward trajectory of tourism and supporting long-term sector growth.

Strategic Investments in Tourism Infrastructure and Job Creation

To ensure the sustained success of its tourism sector, Morocco is making significant investments in both infrastructure and human capital. The government is actively working on upgrading tourism infrastructure through initiatives such as the Cap Hospitality Programme, which supports the renovation of 91 hotels and adds 14,000 rooms to the country’s accommodation capacity. These investments are not just about increasing capacity—they are designed to improve the quality of Morocco’s tourism offering, ensuring that the country remains competitive and attractive to visitors seeking luxury, authenticity, and sustainability.

In parallel, job creation remains a top priority, with plans to generate between 150,000 to 200,000 direct jobs in the tourism sector by 2030. The government also aims to train 150,000 young people in the skills needed to thrive in Morocco’s tourism industry. These efforts are designed to create sustainable, equitable economic growth in local communities while also providing employment opportunities for the next generation of tourism professionals.

Morocco’s Vision for a Sustainable and Resilient Tourism Sector

Sustainability is a central theme in Morocco’s tourism development strategy. Minister Ammor highlighted that sustainable tourism is not just a theoretical goal but a critical lifeline for the country’s long-term success. “We pursue tourism that is people-centered and future-centric, knowing that millions depend on our collective ability to protect and strengthen our destinations for generations to come,” she said. Morocco’s commitment to sustainability is not just about environmental conservation, but also about building a resilient tourism sector that can withstand global economic shifts and climate-related challenges.

Climate resilience is particularly important as Morocco continues to experience natural calamities, such as flooding, earthquakes, and droughts, which directly impact tourism infrastructure and local communities. To address these challenges, the Moroccan government is integrating climate resilience into its tourism policies, ensuring that the country’s tourism sector is not only thriving but also prepared for future environmental challenges.

2030 World Cup as a Catalyst for Long-Term Growth

One of the major upcoming milestones for Morocco is its role in hosting the 2030 World Cup, a milestone that officials see as a catalyst for long-term, value-creating growth in the tourism sector. The event is expected to attract millions of visitors, generate significant media attention, and provide a platform for showcasing Morocco’s tourism infrastructure, culture, and economic development.

Beyond the World Cup, this high-profile event will spur investments in stadiums, transportation systems, and tourism infrastructure that will benefit the sector for decades to come. The legacy of the 2030 World Cup will contribute to Morocco’s growing appeal as a global destination for sports tourism, as well as for business and leisure travelers who are drawn to the country’s rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and diverse experiences.

A Future-Ready Destination for Global Tourists and Investors

The Morocco National Tourism Strategy 2030 regards the country as a future-ready destination that would continue to attract international tourists and provide substantial investment to its tourism sector. This shall continue by focusing on sustainability, innovation, and resilience so that Morocco becomes one of the leading tourism destinations in the MENA region and a global player in the tourism market.

It is an ideal destination for investors looking to tap into an emerging, growth-oriented market, able to integrate technology, sustainability, and economic inclusivity in the country’s tourism policies. With a focus on tourism infrastructure, job creation, and sustainable development, Morocco is set to continue its trajectory toward becoming a world-class tourism hub.