Moroccan Tourism Surges with Record 39% Growth in October 2023

On Nov 16, 2023

Morocco’s tourism sector has registered an unprecedented 39% growth in October 2023, compared to the same period last year.

The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Crafts, and Social Solidarity revealed on Monday that the country has welcomed over 12 million visitors in 2023.

Despite initial concerns about the impact of the September 8 earthquake on tourism, Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor proudly declared: “We have just crossed the threshold of 12 million visitors in 2023, despite the challenges posed by the Al Haouz earthquake.”

Ammor emphasized that the achievement is a reflection of the country’s commitment to diversifying source markets, stating: “We are on track for a record-breaking year, aiming for 14 million tourists.”

Morocco’s tourism success in September, initially considered a record-breaking month with 960,000 tourists, has pointed for some to a sustained growth trajectory.

Morocco’s tourism sector is one of the most important in the country’s economy, contributing to the Moroccan GDP as well as the job market.

This has caused concern in recent years as the global tourism industry witnessed a downward trend due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the economic downturn caused by the resulting recession.

The September 8 earthquake in Morocco was another cause for concern, as it hit near Marrakech, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. The industry, however, seems to be going strong, still on a trajectory to recover well from the COVID pandemic.