Morocco's Tourism Sector Shows Strong Momentum as Visitor Numbers Surge Ahead of 2026

Morocco's tourism sector is maintaining its upward trajectory, with officials reporting sustained expansion across the industry. The country's tourism ministry highlighted continuing positive performance throughout 2026, underscoring the sector's resilience and growth potential.

May brought particularly encouraging figures, with the kingdom receiving approximately 1.7 million visitors during the month—representing a 13% uptick compared to May of the previous year. These numbers reflect broader patterns of expansion that have characterized Morocco's tourism landscape in recent years.

Fatima Zahraa Amour, the Minister of Tourism and Traditional Industry, attributed the strong performance to a comprehensive strategy emphasizing air connectivity improvements, expanded tourism offerings, and enhanced visitor experiences. According to Amour, these efforts have enabled Morocco to maintain sustainable growth while strengthening its competitive position in attracting international travelers.

The momentum builds on impressive 2025 results. According to the United Nations Tourism Organization, Morocco welcomed approximately 20 million foreign visitors that year, marking a 14% increase from 2024. Tourism revenues reached 138 billion dirhams—roughly $13.8 billion—reflecting a 21% surge compared to 2024.

Morocco's ascent in the global tourism rankings has been notable. The country topped the African continent's tourism destination list in 2024, receiving 17.4 million tourists with 20% growth over 2023, and maintained this position through 2025.

The government is leveraging major sporting events to accelerate growth. Morocco hosted the African Nations Football Championship in 2025 and will co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal. By 2030, the country aims to attract 26 million tourists annually, add 150,000 hotel beds to its accommodation capacity, and invest 38 billion dirhams—approximately $4.2 billion—in tourism infrastructure and development ahead of the World Cup.