Morocco welcomes record 4M tourists in Q1 2025, up 22% year-on-year

MOROCCO – Morocco’s tourism sector saw a strong start to 2025, attracting 4 million visitors by the end of March, a 22% increase over the same period in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

The growth reflects the country’s rising appeal to both international tourists and members of the Moroccan diaspora, who accounted for 2.1 million and 1.9 million arrivals respectively.

This balance highlights the diversity of Morocco’s tourism offerings, which continue to attract a wide range of travelers.

Notably, March saw nearly 1.4 million arrivals, a 17% jump compared to March 2024, despite overlapping with the holy month of Ramadan.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor credited this strong performance to a strategic repositioning of the sector, noting that Morocco’s tourism offerings had undergone a significant transformation to align with the evolving and diverse expectations of modern travelers.

The country’s ambitious tourism strategy includes improving air connectivity, increasing hotel investments, and digitalizing the overall travel experience.

These initiatives aim not only to sustain growth but also to spread tourist flows more evenly throughout the year and across different regions, firmly positioning Morocco as a leading year-round destination.

Over the next decade, the Moroccan government plans to inject over one billion euros ($1.09 billion) in public investment into the tourism sector.

This excludes additional private sector contributions. Achraf Fayda, Director General of the National Office of Moroccan Tourism (ONMT), explained that six cities set to host the 2030 FIFA World Cup will each receive nearly half a billion euros (US$545 million) in development funding.

This move is part of a broader effort to strengthen Morocco’s standing in the Mediterranean tourism market and diversify its source markets in anticipation of the upcoming global sporting event.

Meanwhile, Marrakech continues to capture international attention.

The city is reportedly being considered as the setting for season 4 of HBO’s acclaimed series The White Lotus.

Known for its sun-drenched climate, vibrant souks, and architectural splendor, Marrakech offers an intoxicating blend of history, art, and culture—making it an ideal stage for the globally popular show.

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