In 2024, Morocco continues to shine as a top-tier travel destination, with tourism revenues expected to surpass 110 billion dirhams (MMDH), according to Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. Speaking before the Commission of Productive Sectors in the House of Representatives, she highlighted the sector’s remarkable growth and its economic impact.
With 17.4 million visitors flocking to the country in 2024, Morocco has seen an impressive 20% increase compared to 2023 and a staggering 35% jump from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. These figures solidify Morocco’s position as the number one tourist destination in Africa. The sector’s expansion has also fueled job creation, with 827,000 people employed in tourism-related fields and 25,000 new jobs generated in a single year.
This outstanding performance is the result of strategic planning, guided by Royal Directives, and reinforced by a series of key initiatives. A 2 billion dirham emergency plan, alongside an ambitious tourism roadmap worth 6.1 billion dirhams, has been instrumental in upgrading infrastructure and enhancing sectoral expertise to ensure sustainable growth.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the “Cap Hospitality” program, designed to prepare Morocco for major international events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The initiative aims to modernize 25,000 hotel rooms across classified tourist establishments, backed by a 2 billion dirham investment, ensuring world-class hospitality standards.
A key focus of Morocco’s tourism strategy is workforce development. The government has introduced 14 new vocational and higher education programs to address the sector’s evolving needs. In collaboration with the Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT), tailored programs are enhancing skills in tourism and hospitality. Complementing these efforts is the “Kafaa” program, aimed at elevating service quality and ensuring top-tier guest experiences.
Moroccans themselves are playing a pivotal role in the sector’s success. In 2024, domestic tourists accounted for 8.5 million overnight stays in classified hotels, making up 30% of total stays. This growing trend underscores the increasing contribution of local travelers to the industry’s momentum.
With a clear vision and substantial investments, Morocco is cementing its reputation as a key player on the global tourism stage. Enhanced infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and diversified offerings position the country to tackle future challenges and further solidify its standing as a premier travel destination.
