In 2023, Morocco welcomed a record-breaking 14.5 million visitors, marking a 34% increase from last year. The number also represents a 12% surge compared to 2019.
According to Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, Moroccans Living Abroad constituted 51% of these arrivals, showcasing a notable 27% growth from the previous year.
Meanwhile, there was a 41% uptick in foreign tourists from 2022, now accounting for 49% of the overall arrivals, marking a three-point gain from last year.
Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism said today that the Kingdom has “surpassed the 12 million visitor mark in 2023, despite the challenges faced following the Al Haouz earthquake.” She added that these achievements “reinforce our confidence in the efforts made towards promoting and diversifying our source markets.”
Morocco’s tourism sector is poised to achieve a record-breaking year, contributing significantly to the broader economy. This feat is especially notable considering the challenges that the country has faced due to the devastating Al Haouz earthquake that struck the Marrakech region in September of last year.
However, these numbers are just the beginning. Ammor stated that Morocco is aiming to achieve 17.5 million visitors by 2026 through the introduction of new airline routes, with aspirations to reach 26 million by 2030 when it will co-host the World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
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The new record of 14.5 million tourists significantly surpasses the initial target set for 2023 as outlined in the Ministry’s Tourism Roadmap 2023-2026.
Originally aiming for 13.5 million visitors, the results have exceeded expectations by an additional million visitors.
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Morocco’s tourism profits climbed to MAD 97.4 billion ($9.8 billion) at the end of November of last year, marking a noteworthy 15.8% jump from the previous year.
Ammor says, “This achievement is not just a number. It reflects Morocco’s remarkable resilience under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. It’s also a testament to a collective dedication from both the government and industry stakeholders.”