Page last updated: 19 November 2024
Morocco, located in North Africa, is a culturally rich and geographically diverse country known for its historic cities and unique blend of African, Arab, and European influences.
How many tourists visit Morocco each year?
In 2023, over 14.52 million international tourists visited Morocco.1
- Morocco attracted 12.93 million international visitors in 2019. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, this number dropped by 79% to 2.78 million.
- By 2021, international tourism reached 3.72 million visitors.
- International tourist numbers rose in 2022 with 10.87 million visitors, and in 2023, the figure climbed to 14.52 million, exceeding the pre-pandemic figure by 12%.
How many tourists visited Morocco in 2024?
- As of September 2024, Morocco recorded 13.1 million tourist arrivals, marking a 16% increase over the same period in 2023. Note that this is from the Morocco World News and is subject to change for future updates.
How many tourists visited Morocco in 2023?
- In 2023, Morocco welcomed 14.52 million visitors exceeding the previous year by 34%
How much do tourists spend in Morocco every year?
International tourists spent over $10.3 billion during their trips to Morocco in 2023.
- In 2019, international tourists in Morocco generated $8.2 billion. However, tourist expenditure decreased in 2020 to $3.8 billion due to the pandemic.
- International tourist spending declined further in 2021 to $3.7 billion.
- In 2022, visitors spent $9.2 billion in Morocco. This increased to $10.3 billion in 2023, exceeding 2019 expenditure by 26%.
How much do tourists spend in Morocco?
- International tourists spent almost $10.3 billion while exploring the wonders of Morocco in 2023.
How much does Morocco make from tourism?
- In 2023, Morocco’s tourism sector reached a significant milestone, generating approximately $10.3 billion USD in foreign currency travel receipts.
Which countries visit Morocco the most?
In 2023, the leading sources of foreign tourists to Morocco were from France, followed by Spain, the United Kingdom, Italy and the United States.
- France was the top source of international visitors to Morocco, accounting for 14% of the market share with a total of 1.5 million visits. France also contributed 902,000 tourists.
- The United Kingdom accounted for 4% of the market share with 482,000 visits.
- Italy and the United Kingdom made 240,000 and 231,000 visits, respectively.
Why is Morocco a popular tourist destination?
- Morocco presents diverse landscapes, including the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, and coastal areas along the Atlantic and Mediterranean, supporting activities such as desert treks, hiking, and beach tourism.
- Key cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca feature historic sites, including ancient medinas and landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque.
- Local festivals and markets offer insights into Moroccan culture, with sites like Chefchaouen and Fes’s Medina providing significant opportunities for cultural exploration.
Morocco Travel Resources
Where is Morocco?
- Morocco is located in North Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north.
- The country covers an area of approximately 446,550 square kilometres (about 172,413 square miles), making it slightly larger than California.
- The country covers an area of approximately 446,550 square kilometres (about 172,413 square miles), making it slightly larger than California.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
- The best time to visit Morocco is generally during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer good weather conditions, making them ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the coastal regions.
When is Morocco’s peak season?
- The peak months in Morocco in 2023 were June, July, August, and December.
- July recorded the highest volume of visitors at 2.13 million, followed by August (1.49 million), June (1.37 million), and December (1.27 million).
How long do visitors stay in Morocco?
- The average length of stay for hotel guests in Morocco ranged from 2.76 to 3 nights, with an average of 2.8 nights between 2015 and 2020, and 2.76 nights in 2020.
Economic Impact – Morocco Tourism Statistics 2023
- Tourism revenues reached $10.3 billion in 2023, a 12% increase compared to the previous year. This revenue is crucial as tourism is one of Morocco’s main sources of foreign exchange
- The Moroccan government has set ambitious goals to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026, aiming to create around 200,000 new jobs in the tourism sector as part of its strategic plans.
How popular is Morocco as a tourist destination?
- Morocco is recognised as one of the top tourist destinations in Africa, ranking as the leading country for tourist arrivals on the continent and the 19th most visited country globally in 2023 according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
How safe is Morocco for tourists?
- Safety Rating: The U.S. State Department assigns Morocco a Level 2 safety advisory, indicating that travellers should exercise increased caution due to potential risks, including terrorism and petty crime.
- Low Violent Crime Rate: Violent crime against tourists is relatively rare. The most common issues are petty crimes such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist sites.
What should tourists do during their visits to Morocco?
- Explore Marrakech: Visit the Marrakech Medina with its markets, alleyways, and Djemaa el-Fna Square for performances, crafts, and food.
- Visit Fes: Wander through Fes el Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site with the world’s oldest university, Al Quaraouiyine, and explore artisan workshops and historical sites. Experience the Chouara Tannery to see traditional leather tanning.
- Discover Chefchaouen: Known as the Blue City, Chefchaouen is ideal for photography and leisurely strolls through its unique, blue-painted streets.
- Experience the Sahara Desert: At the Erg Chebbi Dunes near Merzouga, try camel trekking and sandboarding, and enjoy sunsets over the dunes. Stay overnight in a traditional Berber camp.
- Visit Essaouira: Explore this town with its historic medina, art galleries, and seafood spots. Known for windsurfing, kite surfing, and hosting festivals like the Gnaoua World Music Festival.
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