Morocco has launched a new programme to expand card and mobile payments in the tourism sector, after a record year for visitor numbers and income.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor on Wednesday signed a deal with Mohamed El Kettani, chief executive of Attijariwafa Bank, and Leila Serhan of Visa to launch the “Cashless Pay” plan.
The aim is to make it easier for tourists to pay by card or phone during their stay in Morocco, instead of using cash. Officials say this will improve services and help hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses compete better.
The move follows a strong year for tourism. Morocco welcomed 20 million visitors in 2025 and earned 138bn dirhams in foreign currency. Ms Ammor said paying digitally is now an important part of the travel experience and that Morocco must rely less on cash to meet visitors’ expectations.
Mr El Kettani said payment services are now a key part of any trip and that his bank wants to support the sector with simple, modern solutions that meet international standards.
Visa will provide the technology behind the system. Ms Serhan said the record number of tourists shows Morocco is on the right track and that using data and digital tools will help the sector grow further.
A separate agreement was also signed between Hamid Bentahar, head of the National Confederation of Tourism, and Fahd Battach of Attijari Payment. It will give tourism workers access to electronic payment tools at better rates.
These include turning a normal smartphone into a payment device, sending customers secure payment links by message, and allowing tourists to see and pay in their own currency.
The government says the plan will focus especially on small and medium-sized businesses. Training and information campaigns will be offered to help them switch to digital payments more quickly.
The programme is part of wider efforts to modernise tourism as Morocco prepares for more growth in the coming years, including major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2030. Officials say moving away from cash will also help keep foreign currency inside the banking system and strengthen the country’s economy.
