North Africa is a popular travel destination, and Morocco tourism statistics 2024 attest to this. Nearly 16 million tourists visited famous Moroccan cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Marrakesh, alias the Red City.
Each city is unique and tourists can’t have enough of this diversity. Breathtaking landscapes, exciting cultures, historic attractions, desert intrigues and beaches continue to cement its fame among travellers.
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What Does Morocco Tourism Statistics 2024 Look Like?
According to the country’s tourism ministry, Morocco welcomed 15.9 million tourists between January and November 2024. November recorded a 20 percent jump in visitors’ arrival compared to a similar period in 2023. Tourism accounts for 7% of Morocco’s gross domestic product (GDP). In addition, it’s a leading source of foreign exchange and a major employer.
Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s tourism minister said the increasing numbers result from national efforts to rank among the top 15 global travel destinations. Among the things that spurred Morocco tourism statistics 2024 was increased flights to major tourist spots.
The government also launched a spirited marketing campaign highlighting new and less-known tourist destinations. Further, Morocco’s hospitality industry polished its services to attract more guests. Below are some of the new or lesser-known tourist spots that received a lot of visitors in 2024.
- Meknes
- Tangier
- Tetouan
- Oualidia
- Asilah
- Larache
Morocco welcomed 15.9 million tourists between January and November 2024. Photo/Morocco World News
Here is what makes each of them special.
1. Meknes
Meknes is a UNESCO World Heritage site added to the list in 1996. This city carries a rich architectural history of Morocco. Its architecture goes back to the 11th century when it was founded and developed to become the country’s capital city in the 17th century during Sultan Moulay Ismail’s reign. Every piece of architecture in this city is ancient but exudes glamour.
2. Tangier
Tangier City is located in the northern part of Morocco. Thanks to its coastal setting it maintains a blend of traditional and modern heritage. Tangier lies at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The city is culturally diverse which many tourists find welcoming. However, arts are a big game in Tangier. Many artists visit the city for collaboration and inspiration and this phenomenon largely contributed to Morocco tourism statistics 2024.
3. Tetouan
Tetouan is a picturesque city living up to every bit of your imagination. The city sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rif Mountains offering breathtaking views of the sea and the mountain. Photo/city nibbler
Tetouan is a picturesque city living up to every bit of your imagination. The city sits between the Mediterranean Sea and the Rif Mountains offering breathtaking views of the sea and the mountain. City beaches are quiet and peaceful making them a top choice for relaxation.
Moreover, Tetouan’s inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites sees lots of tourists visit its well-preserved medina with a strong Spanish-Moorish influence.
4. Oualidia
The Lagoon of Oualidia is the highlight of this charming Moroccan coastal village. Visitors enjoy boat rides in the lagoon while watching birds. Seafood lovers frequent Qualidia’s massive oyster farms and restaurants. Qualidia’s culinary delights, extending beyond oysters, bird sanctuaries and pristine beaches, pushed Morocco tourism statistics 2024 higher.
5. Asilah
Three things describe Asilah as an emerging destination for history, architecture and art lovers. They include the following:
- The medina of Asilah
- Cultural heritage as seen at Raissouni Palace
- Its embracing nature for creative artists
6. Larache
Larache is a coastal town rich in nature, cultural history and every great thing a coastal town has. Beach sands here are golden and are often completed by an availability of water sports. The town is home to different cultural festivals throughout the year. Traditional music and dance; food and art feature prominently during these festivals.
How Many Tourists Visit Morocco Every Year?
An expat living in Morocco. Photo/Ashley Abroad
Millions of tourists visit Morocco every year as evidenced by Morocco tourism statistics 2024. Some 15.9 million people visited this North African country, the highest number recorded since 2019 when 13 million tourists visited. The global COVID-19 pandemic hit hard in 2020 with just 2.78 million foreign arrivals recorded.
This number rose to 3.72 million in 2021, 10.87 million in 2022 and 14.52 million in 2023 indicating a growing tourism sector in North Africa.
Summary of Morocco’s foreign tourism arrivals since 2019
| Year | No. of foreign arrivals |
| 2019 | 13 million |
| 2020 | 2.78 million |
| 2021 | 3.72 million |
| 2022 | 10.87 million |
| 2023 | 14.52 million |
| 2024 | 15.9 million |
What is the Ranking of Tourism in Morocco?
Morocco’s Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor remarks that Morocco ranks among the top 15 global tourist destinations. Bloom Consulting in its Country Brand Ranking 2024/2025 Edition ranked Morocco as the second-most visited country in Africa.
The Tourism Ministry revealed that it’s projecting an increase in foreign tourist arrivals to 17.5 million people by 2026 and 26 million people by 2030.
Culture, breathtaking scenery, culinary delights, and arts among other fascinating things were behind the stunning Morocco tourism statistics 2024. Popular Moroccan cities such as Fez, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech have long dominated Morocco’s tourism market. However, newer destinations also account for the significant increase in tourists in 2024.
