"The ancient clay city of Ait Benhaddou in Morocco, surrounded by lush palm trees under a bright blue sky."

Morocco becomes Africa’s top tourist destination in 2024

Morocco achieved a major milestone in 2024, officially becoming the most visited African country with a record-breaking 17.4 million international visitors. This marks a 20% increase from 2023 and places Morocco ahead of Egypt.

Egypt previously held the title of Africa’s top destination. Meanwhile, the country also saw a strong performance, welcoming a record 15.7 million tourists in 2024.

“Morocco as a destination made a strong impact in 2024. With 17.4 million tourists by the end of December, Morocco is ahead of schedule in meeting the ambitious target set out in its roadmap,” Morocco’s Ministry stated.

Tourism revenue hits $11 billion

The surge in visitor numbers generated $11 billion in revenue for Morocco, emphasising the growing global appeal of its cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor hailed the achievement as a “major step towards positioning Morocco among the top 15 global tourist destinations.”

In order to meet the set target, Morocco would have to apply more efforts to its tourism initiatives.

Marrakech and Casablanca remain the crown jewels of Moroccan tourism. Marrakech, known for its souks, historic palaces, and luxury riads, continues to draw tourists looking for a vibrant cultural escape. While Casablanca, Morocco’s biggest city, attracts tourists for its beaches and cosmopolitan feel.

Looking to diversify its offerings, Morocco’s government has ambitious plans to include Rabat, the nation’s capital, among its top-tier tourist hotspots. The city, with its UNESCO-listed historical sites and burgeoning cultural spaces, is poised to attract a growing share of visitors in the coming years.

Tourism initiatives driving growth

The success of Morocco’s tourism sector in 2024 can be attributed to strategic initiatives. It has focused on improving infrastructures such as transport, and accommodation.

Additionally, the country has benefited from hosting high-profile cultural events and strengthening partnerships with international airlines, which have expanded flight routes to cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Fez.

The 2024 milestone solidifies Morocco’s position as an African tourism leader and its allure as a destination merging heritage and luxury.