Sunday, September 8, 2024 The Moroccan tourism sector is experiencing unprecedented success, with the country receiving 2.6 million tourists during June, July, and August of 2024—marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This surge has been hailed as the best period for tourism in Morocco’s history, according to Fatima-Zahra Ammor, the Moroccan Minister of Tourism.
Minister Ammor emphasized that the growth in tourism goes beyond numbers, stating, “These figures demonstrate the tangible impact of tourism on Morocco’s economy, which translates into job creation, regional development, and overall economic stimulation.” The influx of tourists, including Moroccans returning home from abroad for holidays as part of Operation Marhaba-Passage of the Strait, has greatly contributed to this success. Various regions across Morocco saw a significant rise in tourist arrivals.
The Souss-Massa region, known for its beaches and mountain destinations, recorded an 8% increase in overnight stays and a 4% increase in arrivals. The northern regions, including Tangier, Asila, and M’diq-Fnideq, experienced even greater growth, with overnight stays up by 12% and arrivals by 11%. Meanwhile, Marrakech, one of the country’s most iconic cities, saw a rise of 6% in overnight stays and 8% in arrivals.
A standout performer was the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, where water sports and beach tourism are key attractions. Despite its distance from major cities, Dakhla recorded a 32% growth, showcasing the success of infrastructure investments and increased connectivity. The Moroccan National Office of Tourism (ONMT) and the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT) have collaborated on initiatives to further strengthen the tourism sector.
The Kafaa project, introduced by Minister Ammor, aims to enhance the skills of tourism professionals while creating more than 7,550 jobs over the next two years. The project focuses on offering certifications to improve the hiring process within the hotel and catering industries, boosting local employment. In line with these efforts, Morocco aims to reach 26 million tourists by 2030, a goal that would place the country among the top 10 global destinations in terms of annual arrivals.
This is part of the government’s broader tourism strategy, which seeks not only to increase visitor numbers but also to attract higher-spending tourists who are more likely to invest in the country. As part of the Kafaa project, the Cap Excellence plan aims to modernize vocational training throughout Morocco by introducing advanced e-learning platforms. The goal is to provide continuous excellence training for more than 2,000 new professionals per course, helping Morocco meet international standards in hospitality and tourism.
Minister Ammor highlighted the importance of investing in human resources, stating, “Raising the industry to the highest international standards is what Morocco’s tourism sector aspires to. We believe that the first step is to give recognition to workers by creating an ecosystem that provides them with an adequate standard of living.” Morocco’s tourism industry is at its peak, setting new records and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.
With strategic projects like Kafaa and Cap Excellence, the country is well on its way to becoming a top global tourism destination, while simultaneously investing in the development of its workforce and infrastructure..
