Morocco's Ambitious Tourism Goals: Attracting 26 Million Tourists by 2030
Morocco is setting its sights high with an ambitious goal to attract 26 million tourists annually by 2030. The Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts from the Ministry of Economy and Finance has reported that the Kingdom welcomed a record 10 million tourists by the end of July 2024, marking a significant increase of 15% compared to the previous year. This surge in tourist arrivals reflects Morocco’s strategic efforts to bolster its tourism sector, which is a vital component of its economy.
Record-Breaking Growth in Tourism Numbers
In July 2024 alone, Morocco received 2.6 million tourists, achieving a remarkable growth rate of 20%. This impressive influx has contributed to a total of 10 million tourists for the first seven months of the year, showcasing the country’s potential as a premier travel destination. The increase in overnight stays in classified accommodation establishments also highlights the sector's recovery, with a reported 12.7 million overnight stays, an increase of 8.4% by the end of June 2024. These figures underline Morocco's ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and services.
Economic Impact of Tourism in Morocco
Tourism is not only a vital source of cultural exchange but also a significant contributor to Morocco's economy. In 2023, tourism revenues broke the $10 billion mark for the first time, largely driven by the arrival of 14.5 million tourists. It is now the second-largest source of foreign currency for the Kingdom, following remittances from expatriates, which totaled nearly $11.5 billion. As Morocco continues to implement its tourism revival plan, the focus remains on sustainable growth and maximizing the economic benefits of this flourishing sector.
