Morocco’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable surge, with the country welcoming an unprecedented 2.6 million tourists during the summer months of June, July, and August 2024. This represents a significant 20% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, solidifying this period as the most successful in Morocco’s tourism history, according to Fatima-Zahra Ammor, the Minister of Tourism. Minister Ammor emphasized the profound impact of this growth, stating that the figures demonstrate the tangible benefits of tourism to Morocco’s economy, including job creation, regional development, and overall economic stimulation.
The influx of tourists, including Moroccans returning home from abroad for holidays as part of Operation Marhaba-Passage of the Strait, has significantly contributed to this success. Various regions across Morocco have witnessed a substantial rise in tourist arrivals. The Souss-Massa region, renowned for its picturesque beaches and mountainous destinations, reported an 8% increase in overnight stays and a 4% increase in arrivals. The northern regions, including Tangier, Asila, and M’diq-Fnideq, experienced even more significant growth, with overnight stays increasing by 12% and arrivals by 11%. Meanwhile, Marrakech, one of Morocco’s most iconic cities, saw a rise of 6% in overnight stays and 8% in arrivals.
The Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region emerged as a standout performer, attracting visitors with its water sports and beach tourism offerings. Despite its distance from major cities, Dakhla recorded a remarkable 32% growth, highlighting the success of infrastructure investments and increased connectivity. The Moroccan National Office of Tourism (ONMT) and the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT) have collaborated on various initiatives to further strengthen the tourism sector. The Kafaa project, introduced by Minister Ammor, aims to enhance the skills of tourism professionals while creating more than 7,550 jobs over the next two years. This project focuses on offering certifications to improve the hiring process within the hotel and catering industries, thereby boosting local employment.
Driven by these efforts, Morocco has set its sights on reaching 26 million tourists by 2030, a goal that would position the country among the top 10 global destinations in terms of annual arrivals. This objective forms part of the government’s broader tourism strategy, which seeks not only to increase visitor numbers but also to attract higher-spending tourists who are more likely to invest in the country. As part of the Kafaa project, the Cap Excellence plan aims to modernize vocational training throughout Morocco by introducing advanced e-learning platforms. The goal is to provide continuous excellence training for more than 2,000 new professionals per course, helping Morocco meet international standards in hospitality and tourism. Minister Ammor emphasized the importance of investing in human resources, stating, “Raising the industry to the highest international standards is what Morocco’s tourism sector aspires to. We believe that the first step is to give recognition to workers by creating an ecosystem that provides them with an adequate standard of living.”
Morocco’s tourism industry is at its peak, setting new records and making substantial contributions to the nation’s economic growth. With strategic projects like Kafaa and Cap Excellence, the country is poised to become a top global tourism destination, while simultaneously investing in the development of its workforce and infrastructure. This commitment to sustainable growth and development ensures that Morocco’s tourism success continues to flourish for years to come.
