• Morocco welcomed 19.8 million tourists in 2025, exceeding the government target of 18 million.
• Tourism revenues reached 124 billion dirhams ($13.5 billion) in the first 11 months of 2025, up 19% year on year.
• Morocco retained its position as Africa’s top tourist destination, ahead of Egypt.

The Ministry of Tourism said Morocco recorded a record 19.8 million tourist arrivals in 2025. The figure represented a 14% increase compared with 2024, according to a statement published on Monday, January 5. The ministry attributed this “historic performance” mainly to the diversification of tourism offerings, improvements in service quality, and stronger international air connectivity.

“The reception of nearly 20 million tourists in 2025 reflects the profound transformation of Moroccan tourism, driven by the enlightened vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This transformation delivers a more efficient, more sustainable tourism sector that creates value across regions,” said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy.

Morocco maintained its position as Africa’s leading tourist destination by visitor numbers. The kingdom ranked ahead of Egypt, where tourist arrivals reached 19 million in 2025.

At the same time, rising visitor numbers boosted tourism revenues. Tourism receipts reached 124 billion dirhams, or about $13.5 billion, during the first eleven months of 2025. The figure marked a 19% increase compared with the same period in 2024.

The government had set a target of 18 million tourists for 2025. Authorities outlined the objective in the report on public establishments and enterprises attached to the 2026 draft finance law. In 2024, Morocco welcomed 17.5 million tourists, up from 14.5 million in 2023.

In 2024, Morocco overtook Egypt for the first time as Africa’s most visited destination. Egypt had previously held the top position for several years.

The government’s tourism development roadmap targets 26 million tourists by 2030. Morocco will co-host the FIFA World Cup that year alongside Spain and Portugal.

Tourism represented 12.3% of Morocco’s gross domestic product in 2024, according to a study by the World Travel & Tourism Council. The sector remains a key source of foreign currency earnings and a strategic pillar of the national economy.

This article was initially published in French by Walid Kéfi 

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum