The economic lung of the Moroccan economy, the tourism sector achieved records in 2024, generating more than 10 billion euros in revenue. With 17.4 million visitors, Morocco has become the most visited country on the African continent and does not intend to stop there: 30 million visitors are expected in 2030.
The figures go beyond the objectives of the roadmap set by the government. THE Morocco breaks its absolute record in terms of attendance with a 20% increase in visitors in 2024 compared to the previous year and holds first place on the podium on the continent. With 12.7 billion euros, the Egyptian tourism industry always generates more income, but in terms of number of visitors, it is Morocco which surpasses it.
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Marrakech, the safe bet
At the top of the preferred destinations: Marrakech, which already had more than 10 million overnight stays recorded at the end of November. This couple from the Manche department in France is visiting Marrakech for the first time. They confide: “ We came here to find out first. And then secondly, we came to seek the sun, the warmth. At home, it’s 5-6°, here it’s still almost 20° warmer. That was the goal ».
Another destination experiencing strong growth: seaside tourism in Agadir and its surroundings, popular with surfing enthusiasts. Renée has been traveling with her three teenagers since the The Netherlands. She enjoys the December sun in Taghazout and prepares to enter the water in a wetsuit to enjoy the waves: “ Actually, this is my second time. I was there last year and I really liked it, so I decided to come back. For what ? Because it’s super pretty. The weather is beautiful and it’s great for learning to surf. »
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Direct flights and overtourism
At his side stands Osama, with his long curly hair golden from the salt and sun. He is now a full-time surf teacher: “ There are a lot of tourists, and from year to year these beaches become more and more famous. There are people who come from all over the world. »
Even if the problems linked to overtourism are already beginning to surface in Morocco, the government prefers to congratulate itself on these good figures, largely attributable to the contracts that could be signed with low-cost companies. For example, no less than 34 low-budget lines connect the France in Morocco.
« This growth is due to an effective strategy, including improving air connectivity with direct flights to major source markets. Also, there were promotional efforts and the performances of the Moroccan national football team at the Qatar World Cup which strengthened Morocco’s international influence. », assures Zoubir Bouhoute, expert in the sector.
If to date, 70% of foreign tourists are European, Morocco intends to attract more and more Chinese, Brazilian and Canadian tourists by targeting these markets and carrying out promotional campaigns.
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