Morocco’s tourism sector has already passed several goals set for 2026, according to new data from the Haut-Commissariat au Plan (HCP).
The figures show strong growth in visitor numbers, earnings and jobs, with tourism standing as one of the country’s main economic drivers.
About 20 million tourists visited Morocco in 2025. This is far above the government’s 2026 goal of 17.5 million visitors.
Tourism income reached 138bn Moroccan dirhams, or about $13.8bn. That is 18bn dirhams more than the target set for 2026.
France remains Morocco’s biggest source of tourists. Visits from Moroccans living abroad have also grown. By mid-2025 they made up about 52% of arrivals.
The tourism sector had 894,000 direct jobs in 2025, up from 802,000 in 2022.
This means about 92,000 jobs were created in three years, beating the government’s target of 80,000 new jobs by 2026.
Tourism now makes up about 7.3% of Morocco’s economy.
The wider services sector is also growing. It added about 216,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2025.
Tourism minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the results show the government’s tourism plan for 2023–2026 is working.
The plan was launched in March 2023 with a budget of 6.1bn dirhams. It aims to offer different types of tourism, including beach and water sports, desert trips and short city visits, while promoting Moroccan culture and heritage.
Part of the strategy is to increase international flights, especially through deals with low-cost airlines targeting European travellers.
Morocco has also stepped up promotion through campaigns such as “Morocco, Land of Light”.
At the same time, hotel capacity is growing through partnerships with international brands including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Nobu Hospitality, while older hotels are being upgraded.
In 2025 tourism brought in more foreign currency than money sent home by Moroccans living abroad.
Interest in Morocco also rose after the country’s performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Online searches for Morocco jumped from about 500,000 to 13 million in one month during the tournament.
The government now aims to attract 26 million visitors a year by 2030.
Preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will host with Spain and Portugal, are expected to bring more tourists.
Projects linked to the tournament include expanding the high-speed rail network and adding about 100,000 new hotel beds.
