Morocco Emerges As A Top Global Destination Following A Major 2025 Tourism Surge
Morocco is closing out 2025 with remarkable momentum, standing among the world’s fastest-growing and most admired travel destinations as it moves into 2026, according to the Travel and Tour World magazine.
The past year has been one of record-breaking performance, rising international visibility, and strong economic gains that have reshaped global perceptions of the kingdom.
According to the Ministry of Tourism, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists in 2024, a 20% increase over the previous year and 33% above pre-pandemic levels. That momentum accelerated in 2025, when the country surpassed 18 million visitors by November, setting yet another all-time record and strengthening its global position.
According to the magazine, Morocco climbed to 13th place in the UN Tourism global classification of destinations with the strongest international expansion. At the same time, Morocco’s international reputation reached new heights when it was named Destination of the Year at the 2025 Travel Awards in Brussels.
It points to Morocco’s heritage, culture, and coastline as key reasons for its broad appeal. The country’s ability to offer variety within a single trip is one of the reasons it continues to rise in international rankings and attract travelers from a growing range of markets.
This ranking reflects the impact of years of targeted investment in infrastructure, transportation, cultural sites, and hospitality developments supported by major projects ranging from USD 100 M to over USD 1 B.
Together, these commitments have helped Morocco emerge as a leader in both Africa and the Middle East while boosting tourism revenues to USD 9.6 B in the first eight months of 2025 alone.
As these achievements stack up, Morocco’s tourism roadmap has become a core driver of both performance and stability. The national strategy, which supports major investments in hotels, airports, heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism, continues to guide development as the country targets 26 million tourists by 2030, a goal aligned with its role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. These efforts have helped tourism maintain its position as a key pillar of the economy, contributing roughly 7% of GDP and supporting thousands of businesses across regions.
Meanwhile, the rise in global recognition is also driving economic gains. Hotels are reporting record occupancy, restaurants are experiencing higher customer volume, and small enterprises in transport, culture, crafts, and guided experiences are expanding steadily. New services, upgraded infrastructure, and a stronger hospitality sector are creating a cycle of growth that benefits both travelers and local communities.
As visitors explore Morocco, they find a country where different landscapes and cultures connect seamlessly. Historic cities such as Rabat and Fes showcase a deep artistic and intellectual heritage, while coastal areas along the Atlantic and Mediterranean offer a relaxed atmosphere for travelers seeking sun and sea. At the same time, mountain villages, desert routes, and archaeological sites such as Volubilis expand the range of experiences available, offering travelers variety without losing the coherence of a unified national identity.
This diversity—cultural, historical, and geographic—has become one of Morocco’s strongest assets. It allows the country to appeal to adventure-seekers, heritage enthusiasts, beach travelers, food lovers, and urban explorers alike, making Morocco not just a destination but a multi-layered experience that encourages repeat visits.
As Morocco enters 2026, the country appears well prepared to extend the progress achieved over the past two years. Ongoing government programs continue to emphasize responsible travel, cultural preservation, and community-focused development, ensuring that growth remains sustainable and widely shared. International visibility is rising, infrastructure is expanding, and the tourism sector is aligning itself with long-term national ambitions.