Morocco to surpass Egypt as Africa’s top tourist destination

Morocco is on track to set new tourism records as 2024 draws to an end, with nearly 16 million visitors welcomed by November — a 20 per cent increase from the same period in 2023. The country is now positioned to overtake Egypt as Africa’s most visited destination, with authorities optimistic about reaching 17.5 million visitors by year-end.

French nationals remain the largest group of foreign tourists, closely followed by British visitors, whose numbers surged by 47 per cent this year. Marrakech, dubbed the “Red City”, continues to be a top draw with 34 direct flights between Morocco and France alone.

“The city enjoys excellent connectivity, particularly with low-cost airlines, making it a top choice for both foreign visitors and Moroccan expatriates,” RFI reported.

Tourism plays a pivotal role in Morocco’s economy, contributing seven per cent of GDP and generating $9.6 billion (€9.2 billion) in revenue so far this year. Other popular hotspots include Agadir, Tangier and Casablanca, which continues to attract business travellers.

According to Morocco World News, the Ministry of Tourism recently celebrated the arrival of 15.9 million tourists recorded by the end of last month. The number surpassed the figure forecasted by the ministry, which sought to attract 15 million arrivals this year. The ministry also seeks to attract 17 million tourists in 2026 and 26 million more in 2030.

The country is also set to host the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2025, which is anticipated to attract around 500,000 visitors. Morocco’s successful bid to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup is also expected to further solidify its status as a leading global tourism destination.