Published on
September 10, 2025
Morocco’s tourism industry continues to break records, attracting 13.5 million visitors by the end of August 2025. This remarkable achievement represents a 15% growth over the same period in 2024. The momentum has been largely driven by a strong summer season, which saw an additional 4.6 million tourists visit during July and August, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous summer. While the country celebrates these record-breaking numbers, challenges remain, particularly regarding the return of Moroccans living abroad. Despite these challenges, the industry is set on a path to reach 26 million visitors by 2030, building on the momentum generated by events such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup and continued infrastructure developments.
Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers for Morocco’s Tourism Industry
In 2025, Morocco’s tourism sector reached impressive milestones, welcoming 13.5 million tourists by August. This performance marks a significant 15% increase compared to the same period in 2024, continuing the country’s robust growth in the sector. The summer months of July and August were particularly strong, drawing 4.6 million visitors, a 6% improvement over the summer of 2024. This surge is indicative of Morocco’s growing appeal, not just to international travelers, but also to the Moroccan diaspora.
By July 2025, the country had already attracted 11.6 million visitors, which is a 16% increase from 2024. This growth is bolstered by the return of Moroccans residing abroad, or MREs, who contributed significantly to the overall tourist numbers. However, there is a noted divergence between the official celebration of these figures and the feedback from some in the diaspora, who have expressed concerns about rising travel costs and declining service quality.
Economic Impact and Growth of Morocco’s Tourism Sector
Morocco’s tourism sector continues to show a positive economic impact, generating MAD 67 billion (about $6.7 billion) in travel receipts by the end of July 2025. This represents a 13% increase from the same period in 2024. Notably, July alone saw tourism revenues soar to MAD 13 billion ($1.3 billion), a 26% year-over-year growth. These numbers highlight the increasing economic significance of the sector, which now contributes approximately 7% to Morocco’s GDP.
The country’s tourism success is also underpinned by its ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity, which plays a crucial role in facilitating international travel. For example, in 2024, Ryanair launched 35 new routes, and Royal Air Maroc continues to expand its fleet. These improvements in connectivity are part of the broader strategy aimed at strengthening Morocco’s position as a leading tourist destination in North Africa.
Strategic Vision for 2030: Growth and Opportunities
Looking toward the future, Morocco has set an ambitious target of attracting 26 million visitors by 2030. This goal is supported by major infrastructure projects and the expected boost from international events such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host. The government’s tourism roadmap for 2023-2026 aims to further enhance the country’s tourism offerings, including the expansion of entertainment facilities, better accommodation options, and incentives designed to attract investment in the sector.
Beyond these initiatives, Morocco’s strategic location and rich cultural heritage make it a prime destination for tourists seeking a diverse experience. The country offers everything from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene beaches of Agadir and the historic sites of Fes. Morocco’s growing reputation for quality tourism experiences, combined with a concerted effort to improve services and offerings, positions it as a competitive player in the global tourism market.
Key Trends and Insights from Morocco’s Tourism Performance
The tourism performance in 2025 follows a strong year in 2024, when Morocco welcomed 17.4 million visitors, surpassing Egypt’s 15.7 million arrivals to become North Africa’s top tourism destination. This success was reflected in the country’s tourism receipts, which reached a record MAD 112.5 billion ($11.25 billion), marking a 7.5% increase from 2023. The progress made in Morocco’s tourism sector is a testament to the effectiveness of the nation’s long-term strategic planning.
However, challenges persist, especially regarding the feedback from the diaspora community. Some Moroccans living abroad have expressed concerns about the rising costs of accommodation and flights, as well as a perceived decline in service quality. Addressing these concerns is crucial to ensuring continued growth in future years.
Leveraging Morocco’s Strengths for Future Success
With continued investment in infrastructure, expanded air connectivity, and a focus on high-quality tourism experiences, Morocco is well on its way to achieving its 2030 tourism targets. The growing number of visitors each year is a testament to the country’s allure, but there is still work to be done to enhance the overall experience for all types of travelers. By addressing the concerns of the Moroccan diaspora and ensuring that tourism services meet international standards, Morocco can solidify its position as a leading destination in North Africa and beyond.
Morocco’s tourism growth reflects not only its historical and cultural appeal but also the strategic steps it is taking to diversify its offerings and expand its international reach. With the right investments and continued focus on quality and accessibility, the country is poised for a bright future in tourism.
