Morocco: Tourism sector posts 24% growth in early 2025
Morocco’s tourism sector demonstrates robust recovery with 2.7 million visitors arriving during the first two months of 2025, marking a significant 24% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the National Tourism Observatory’s latest data.
The growth reflects strong appeal among both foreign tourists and domestic visitors. Total overnight stays in classified tourist accommodation establishments exceeded 4.2 million by February’s end, showing 16% year-on-year growth. This progression includes a 20% increase in foreign overnight stays and 6% growth in domestic tourism, indicating flourishing and balanced tourist activity.
February particularly contributed to this momentum, with international tourist arrivals growing 18% (+119,000 entries) and Moroccan expatriates surging 26% (+130,000 entries). The variance between arrival growth (24%) and overnight stays (16%) suggests more intensive visitation patterns and better capacity utilization.
Regional distribution shows notable overnight stay growth across multiple destinations: Al-Haouz (+37%), Fès (+29%), Tangier (+28%), Casablanca (+25%), Essaouira (+22%), Agadir (+15%), and Marrakech (+9%). This diversification demonstrates harmonious tourism development throughout the country, reducing dependence on traditional hotspots.
Foreign exchange revenues from non-resident visitors reached nearly 15.76 billion dirhams over two months, representing moderate 3% growth. These results herald a promising summer season with positive employment implications for the sector.
Tourism stakeholders emphasize that job creation depends significantly on accommodation capacity. Investment trends appear favorable, supported by preparations for major international events including the Africa Cup of Nations and 2030 World Cup. Ambitious targets include expanding accommodation capacity to 340,000 beds by 2026 and attracting 26 million visitors by 2030, consolidating tourism’s key role in national economic development.