Tourism in Morocco

Morocco is considered a land of contrasts where the beauty of the landscapes mixes with a vibrant culture that attracts many visitors. However, like all destinations, tourism in Morocco also presents challenges although it remains a destination of choice.

Morocco's tourist assets

Morocco, this North African country of 710,850 km², is today among the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. After the 1990s, the Moroccan tourism sector implemented ambitious strategies to develop and position the country as a major destination. The Moroccan government launched several initiatives to promote tourism, including the "Vision 2010" and then "Vision 2020" plans which aimed to attract 10 million and then 20 million tourists respectively, by improving infrastructure, diversifying the tourist offer and developing new destinations.
With over 100 cities of varying sizes, including Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, Meknes, Oujda and Essaouira, Morocco attracts attention and captivates its visitors with its diverse landscape, rich cultural and historical heritage with its UNESCO-listed medinas, and renowned gastronomy. Its natural landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, the Atlas Mountains, or the Atlantic and Mediterranean Coasts, offer many opportunities for activities, unique cultural experiences with very varied atmospheres. Morocco is also rich in crafts, whether Berber carpets, pottery, jewelry or textiles. Festivals such as the Sacred Music Festival of Fez, the Casa Latina Festival in Casablanca or the Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, attract visitors from all over the world. Moroccan cuisine, being famous worldwide for its spicy flavors, also offers a sensory discovery of spices and fresh produce from local markets.

The economic and social impact of tourism in Morocco

The tourism sector in Morocco has a significant impact on both the economic and social levels. Economically, tourism represents approximately 7 to 8% of the country's GDP, representing a significant contribution of approximately 8 to 10 billion euros to the national economy out of a total GDP of 115 to 130 billion euros. Each year, Morocco generates nearly 10 billion euros in revenue from international tourism, with approximately 2 million jobs that represent a large contribution to national employment. Socially, tourism in Morocco impacts the promotion of culture and heritage by promoting the preservation of cultural and historical heritage, particularly through income generated by visits to historical sites and museums, investments in the restoration of monuments and medinas. It also helps promote the country's cultural diversity by highlighting local traditions, crafts, and cultural practices. In addition, tourism contributes to improving the standard of living in many regions, particularly in rural or remote areas.

Challenges of the Moroccan tourism sector

In 2024, Morocco will experience a significant recovery in tourism after the periods of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022. The country welcomes 12 to 13 million international tourists. Challenges include sustainability and overcrowding of certain sites, while opportunities lie in developing responsible tourism and improving infrastructure. Pressure on local resources such as water and energy, increasing costs of living in certain tourist areas, and sometimes social tensions linked to gentrification or cultural differences between tourists and local residents, constitute the challenges of the Moroccan tourism sector. There is a great need for improvement of tourism infrastructure, including hotels, roads and transport, in Morocco to remain competitive with other destinations.

Tourism in Morocco represents a key sector of the economy, attracting millions of visitors each year. However, it is still appropriate to ask how Morocco can transform its tourism into a model of sustainable development while maintaining its attractiveness and international competitiveness.