The Moroccan tourism sector continues its exceptional trajectory in 2024, with all indicators in the green. After the record 14.6 million tourist arrivals at the end of October, attention is now focused on two key indicators of the sector: foreign exchange earnings and employment.
Reading the official figures communicated by the authority, it appears that from January to October 2024, cumulative travel revenue reached 97 billion dirhams, a remarkable increase of 8.3 billion dirhams compared to 2023. If the trend continues, travel revenues should peak at around 114 billion dirhams over the whole year, representing a significant contribution to the national GDP. Note that these figures only reflect part of the total impact of tourism, which also stimulates other sectors, such as crafts, transport and retail and services.
A sustained job creation dynamic
According to the High Commission for Planning (HCP), the number of employees in the sector reached 827,000 people in 2023 (or 7.8% of the active population). Which represents a remarkable growth of 25,000 new jobs compared to 2022 (+3%).
As a reminder, the direct job creation objective set by the 2023-2026 Roadmap amounts to 80,000 jobs. However, in 2023, with 25,000 new direct jobs, the annual objective was exceeded by 25%, testifying to the vitality of the sector and the effectiveness of the policies put in place.
Note that the most dynamic sectors are accommodation, with 11,000 new jobs, and catering (10,000 new jobs). Knowing that beyond direct jobs, the tourism sector also generates thousands of indirect jobs in related fields, such as transport, crafts, commerce and services.
Obviously, these exceptional results are part of a context of continued efforts within the framework of the roadmap, to strengthen the performance of the sector. Investments in air development and promotion are also bearing fruit. Current projects also concern tourist infrastructure and the quality of services, which are a priority.
Ultimately, let us point out that a meeting is planned soon between the supervisory authority and the professionals to discuss the progress of the various programs and the additional measures to be put in place to strengthen the dynamics of the sector, thus ensuring the sustainability of this remarkable growth.
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