Morocco’s Tourism Revival: A Huge Increase in Revenues and Record Visitor Numbers, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on December 1, 2025

In 2024, the High Commission for Planning (HCP) reported an extraordinary recovery of 38.4% of the tourism sector’s impact on the economy. The contribution of the sector’s GDP in the tourism sector in 2023 rose to MAD116.2billion(12.5billion USD). This contribution was much higher than the contribution by the sector to the GDP of the country during the periods prior to the pandemic in 2019. The percentage of tourism contribution to the economy of Morocco increased by 1.5 % from 6.8% to 7.3% in five years. The increase in the contribution of the sector to the economy during this period was the indicator of the recovery growth of the tourism sector.

A Record-Breaking Year for Visitors: 17.4 Million Tourists

Morocco’s tourism industry reached new heights in 2024, welcoming a record-breaking 17.4 million visitors. This influx of international and domestic tourists resulted in a substantial increase in tourism revenue, which reached MAD 112 billion ($10.42 billion), a 43% increase compared to 2019. The increase in tourism was driven by several factors, including the country’s strategic initiatives to boost its tourism appeal and the return of travelers following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

International tourism played a critical role in this growth, with foreign tourist spending increasing by 46.8%. The country’s hospitality sector, which includes everything from luxury resorts to local guesthouses, is seeing strong demand, especially in popular cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Agadir.

Domestic Tourism on the Rise: Boosting Local Economies

While international tourism boomed, domestic tourism consumption also grew substantially. Domestic tourism reached MAD 201.7 billion ($21.8 billion) in 2024, a 42.6% increase compared to 2019. This growth in local tourism reflects Morocco’s successful efforts to attract more Moroccan travelers to explore their own country, spurred by various initiatives such as affordable travel packages and promotional campaigns targeting local visitors. The growth of domestic tourism has helped support local economies, especially in rural areas and smaller towns that may not have traditionally seen as much tourist traffic.

Tourism Recovery Post-Pandemic: A Crucial Economic Pillar

Morocco’s tourism sector is crucial to its overall economic recovery. After the pandemic’s devastating impact on global travel, Morocco’s tourism industry has quickly regained its momentum, thanks to proactive measures and a concerted effort to rejuvenate the country’s offerings. The sector is an essential pillar of the national economy, supporting jobs in hospitality, retail, transportation, and agriculture. More than half a million Moroccans are employed in the tourism industry, either directly or indirectly, underlining its importance in providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population.

The strong performance of the tourism sector in 2024 is also a testament to the country’s ability to adapt to global travel trends. Morocco’s diverse tourism offerings, from cultural heritage sites to modern luxury resorts, have helped it stand out as a destination for all types of travelers, from cultural enthusiasts to luxury seekers and eco-tourism aficionados.

A Shift Toward High-Value Tourism

As part of its recovery strategy, Morocco has focused on attracting high-value, high-spending tourists. The rise in luxury travel, particularly from Europe and the Middle East, has contributed to the increase in tourism revenue. The country’s efforts to position itself as a premium destination are evident in the growth of high-end hotels, resorts, and unique experiences such as desert safaris, luxury shopping, and gourmet dining.

Moroccan authorities are also focusing on attracting visitors who are interested in longer stays and higher spending. This shift toward high-value tourism is expected to continue in the coming years, especially with new initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, services, and tourism products.

Investment in Infrastructure and New Tourism Projects

The Moroccan government and private sector have heavily invested in expanding and upgrading tourism infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of international visitors. New hotel projects, improved transportation networks, and enhanced public facilities are expected to further support tourism growth. Additionally, Morocco’s tourism strategy includes the development of new, unique experiences to attract tourists beyond the major cities.

For example, the country is focusing on promoting regional tourism, including remote desert destinations, mountain retreats, and coastal areas, to balance the distribution of tourists and reduce congestion in high-traffic cities. This diversification is part of Morocco’s broader strategy to create a more sustainable tourism model that benefits all regions of the country.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism: A Focus on Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Sustainability has become a key priority for Morocco’s tourism sector. As the country attracts more tourists, there is an increasing emphasis on ensuring that the environmental impact of tourism is minimized. Morocco is investing in eco-friendly initiatives, including sustainable hotels, conservation efforts, and responsible tourism practices, aimed at preserving the country’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage.

The government is also encouraging tourists to participate in activities that promote environmental awareness, such as coral reef restoration projects and wildlife conservation initiatives. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also help foster a deeper connection between travelers and the country’s natural beauty.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Morocco’s Tourism Industry

Recent trends indicate that Morocco’s travel sector is not only expanding but also recovering successfully. The incorporation of high-value travelers, and investments on infrastructure and sustainable tourism will ovbiously guarantee positive outcomes. Morocco’s tourism sector will surely continue to deliver positive economic results provided that you keep adapting to the dynamism in the global travel space. Thus, Morocco’s tourism industry is set to remain a key driver of economic growth for years to come.