Morocco reached a historic milestone in 2024, welcoming 17.4 million incoming visitors (including Moroccan expatriates), according to the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy. This record figure marks a 20% increase from 2023, with almost 3 million additional tourists visiting the country.
“The Morocco destination recorded a strong impact in 2024. With 17.4 million visitors at the end of December, Morocco is ahead of schedule to achieve the ambitious objective set in its roadmap, initially planned for 2026,” announced the ministry.
Moroccan expatriates are also very numerous
The sharp increase in arrivals reflects both the growth of foreign tourists, who represented 8.8 million visitors (+23%), and that of Moroccan expatriates, who contributed 8.6 million arrivals (+17%). This near-balance (51% foreign tourists and 49% expatriates) underlines the attractiveness of Morocco for various categories of travelers.
Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, attributed this result to visionary leadership and strategic investments. “This record of 17.4 million testifies to the considerable progress made by our country under the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI,” said Ms. Ammor.
She praised the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors, adding: “This exceptional performance is the result of targeted investments by our government in this vital sector and the constant mobilization of tourism professionals. Congratulations to all public and private actors who have supported Moroccan tourism.”
Overtaking Egypt, Morocco has claimed the title of most visited destination in Africa, just one year after the devastating earthquake that struck Marrakech, one of its main tourist sites. Egypt also saw growth, welcoming 15.7 million visitors in 2024, but it fell short of Morocco’s record figures.
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Ryanair participated in good results
The Irish low-cost airline had announced its major summer program to Morocco, with more than 1,100 weekly flights on 175 lines, including 35 new lines.
As part of this record Summer 2024 program, which made it possible to welcome more than 5 million passengers (+33% growth) to/from and now within the Kingdom, Ryanair opened its 4th Moroccan base, with 2 new planes in Tangier (an investment of $200 million), as well as the first Ryanair flights to Beni-Mellal and Errachidia airports.
Ryanair’s investment in Morocco now exceeds $1.4 billion in aircraft, supporting more than 500 direct jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers and thousands of support jobs in tourism, driving growth economic in 12 cities, including Rabat, Marrakech, Fez, Agadir, Tangier, Ouarzazate and Essaouira.
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