Morocco has officially become Africa’s most visited country, attracting 17.4 million international tourists in 2024, according to a report from the Ministry of Tourism. This marks a 20% increase from the previous year and a 33% jump from 2019, before the pandemic, when the country recorded 13 million visitors.
The surge in tourism has propelled Morocco ahead of Egypt, which previously held the continent’s top spot. Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists in 2024, also a record for the country.
“This milestone brings us closer to our goal of ranking among the world’s top 15 tourist destinations,” said Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor. To reach that goal, Morocco will need to surpass countries like Japan, which recorded 25 million visitors in 2023.
Tourism revenue also saw a significant increase, reaching $11 billion in 2024, up from $10.5 billion in 2023. While Egypt still leads in tourism earnings with $14.1 billion, Morocco’s rapid growth is fueled by several key factors.
A major driver of Morocco’s tourism boom has been the addition of 120 new airline routes, including a direct Newark-Marrakech flight from American Airlines. Luxury hotel openings, such as those by Four Seasons and Nobu, have further enhanced the country’s appeal.
Looking ahead, Morocco’s tourism industry is set for even more growth. The country will host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) this year and will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. These events are expected to push annual tourist arrivals to 26 million by the end of the decade.
Morocco’s remarkable success highlights its emergence as a premier global destination, with no signs of slowing down.