Morocco Records Best Year For Tourism

Morocco’s tourism sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom, with 2.6 million tourists visiting during the summer months of June, July, and August 2024, representing a 20% increase from the previous year. Fatima-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, hailed this as the most successful period in the country’s tourism history.

Positive Economic Impact

A broader economic benefits of this surge in tourism is expected in Morocco. The influx of tourists contributes to job creation, regional development, and overall economic growth. A significant portion of this increase came from Moroccans returning home as part of Operation Marhaba-Passage of the Strait, which bolstered local tourism.

Regional Growth

Tourism growth was not confined to any single region. Various parts of the country saw notable increases in arrivals and overnight stays:

• Souss-Massa region: Known for its beaches and mountains, saw an 8% rise in overnight stays and a 4% rise in tourist arrivals.
• Northern regions: Areas like Tangier, Asila, and M’diq-Fnideq experienced even greater gains, with overnight stays increasing by 12% and arrivals by 11%.
• Marrakech: One of Morocco’s most iconic cities, saw a 6% rise in overnight stays and 8% in arrivals.

One of the standout regions was Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, renowned for its water sports and beach tourism. Despite its distance from major cities, Dakhla recorded an impressive 32% growth, a testament to the success of infrastructure improvements and better connectivity.

Future Goals and the Kafaa Project

To build on this momentum, the Moroccan National Office of Tourism (ONMT) and the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT) are working together on various initiatives. Among them is the Kafaa project, introduced by Minister Ammor, which focuses on enhancing the skills of tourism professionals. The project aims to create more than 7,550 jobs over the next two years, offering certifications to improve employment opportunities in the hotel and catering industries.

Looking ahead, Morocco has set an ambitious target to attract 26 million tourists by 2030, which would place it among the top 10 global destinations. In addition to increasing visitor numbers, the government is focusing on attracting higher-spending tourists to further boost the economy.

Modernizing Tourism Education

A key part of the Kafaa project is the Cap Excellence plan, which aims to modernize vocational training by incorporating advanced e-learning platforms. This initiative will provide ongoing excellence training for over 2,000 professionals per course, helping the country meet international standards in the hospitality and tourism sectors.