The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism announced on Friday that the country welcomed approximately 7.7 million international tourists in the first five months of 2026, reflecting a notable 7% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This impressive growth highlights the resilience and positive trajectory of the tourism sector in Morocco.
According to the ministry's statement, the month of May alone saw the arrival of nearly 1.7 million visitors, marking a significant 13% rise compared to May 2025. This surge in tourist numbers underscores the effectiveness of Morocco's strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing its appeal as a global tourist destination.
Fatima Zahra Amour, the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, emphasized that the tourism sector continues to demonstrate strong performance throughout 2026. She attributed these results to the successful implementation of a strategy focused on improving air connectivity, diversifying tourism offerings, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. This vision aims to sustain a path of sustainable growth and boost the kingdom's attractiveness to tourists from various corners of the globe.
In January of this year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization recognized Morocco as the leading tourist destination in Africa for 2025. In its report on global tourism statistics, the organization noted that Morocco welcomed around 20 million foreign tourists in 2025, achieving a remarkable 14% growth compared to 2024. Additionally, tourism revenues last year reached 138 billion dirhams (approximately $13.8 billion), reflecting a 21% increase from the previous year.
Morocco previously topped the African rankings in 2024 by receiving 17.4 million tourists, representing a 20% growth from 2023. The kingdom is strategically leveraging its ability to attract more visitors by hosting international sporting events and conferences. Notably, Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 and is set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.
As reported by aljazeera.net.
