Morocco is thriving in the travel industry with visa-free travel for its citizens. | kbnmart

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Morocco, a vibrant country in North Africa, captivates travelers with its stunning diversity, from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert. Its cities combine ancient history with modern dynamism, with medieval medinas and majestic palaces to explore. The Atlas Mountains are now easier to explore, with a visa-free policy making it easy for citizens to experience scenic hiking opportunities, while coastal towns like Essaouira delight with their laid-back charm and seafood.

Renowned for its spices and flavours, Moroccan cuisine offers a culinary journey through dishes such as tagine and couscous. With its rich culture, friendly locals and stunning landscapes, Morocco promises an unforgettable travel experience.

The travel and tourism market in Morocco is expected to generate a revenue of USD 2,260 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.01% from 2024 to 2028, reaching a market size of USD 2,645 million by 2028. The all-inclusive vacation segment is expected to lead the market, with an expected size of USD 1,014 million in 2024. The number of users in this segment is expected to reach 6,084 million by 2028, with the user penetration rate increasing from 23.0% in 2024 to 24.9% by 2028.

In 2024, Morocco’s tourism industry is booming, with a 12.8% increase in tourist arrivals in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. The country welcomed a record 14.5 million tourists in 2023, a 34% increase from 2022, according to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social and Solidarity Economy. On March 17, 2023, Morocco launched a $580 million plan to boost tourism, aiming to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026.

In 2020, most international tourists to Morocco came from Europe, with a total of more than one million people, far outnumbering visitors from other regions. Africa and the Americas followed, with 102,000 and 99,000 tourists respectively.

Key figures for tourism in Morocco:

• 11 million travelers visited Morocco in 2022
• 14.5 million visitors visited Morocco in 2023
• 550 thousand people work in the tourism sector
• Tourism contributes 7% to Morocco’s GDP

Moroccan passport ranks 56th in the world.

List of 70 countries that can be entered without a visa

Africa: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon, Niger, Senegal, Togo, Tunisia

Asia: Bahrain, China, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, United Arab Emirates

Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom

north america: Canada, Dominican Republic, Mexico, United States

south america: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru

Oceania: Australia, New Zealand

Best Places to Visit in Morocco in 2024

Sahara desertEnjoy the magic of the Sahara Desert, where you can watch the sunset over the sand dunes and gaze at the sky filled with bright stars. This attractive destination promises you unforgettable moments, especially in December.

MarrakeshLocated north of the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a vibrant city with a large medina and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. From the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square to the historic El Badi Palace and bustling souks, there is plenty to explore. Marrakech offers an ideal shopping experience and is an ideal destination to visit in November due to its pleasant weather.

Essaouira (Mogador)Essaouira is one of Morocco’s top tourist attractions, known for its cool climate and vibrant lifestyle. It is famous for hosting the third season of Game of Thrones and also boasts the Gnaoua World Music Festival, one of the most exciting beach festivals in the world.

RabatAs the stunning capital of Morocco, Rabat is located on the coast and offers year-round good weather and serene beaches. Its unique charm makes it a must-see destination in Morocco.

White HouseAlthough it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as other Moroccan cities, Casablanca is a modern marvel with beautiful Moorish buildings that blend French colonial style with traditional Moroccan style. Its stunning architecture and cuisine also make it a top travel destination in Morocco.

Luxury hotels in Morocco

• Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech
• The Oberoi Hotel Marrakech
• Riad Khair El-Din
• Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
• Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa Hotel
• Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

Royal Air Maroc Royal Air Maroc operates direct flights between Casablanca and the Nigerian capital, Abuja, and operates direct flights to 82 destinations in 41 territories around the world, and operates frequent flights to major capitals in Europe, North America, South America, Africa, the Maghreb and the Middle East. Its main hub is located at Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca. Royal Air Maroc, the Moroccan national carrier, has announced a direct flight between Casablanca and the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Royal Air Maroc plans to quadruple its fleet size by 2030, aiming for around 200 aircraft. On June 23, Royal Air Maroc will launch a new route from Casablanca to Manchester, operating three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights will depart Casablanca at 1:45pm and arrive in Manchester at 5:20pm local time. The return flight will depart Manchester at 6:20pm and arrive in Casablanca at 9:45pm local time. The airline has been greatly boosted by Morocco’s thriving tourism industry, which attracts around 14.5 million visitors annually. Arrivals are forecast to reach 17.5 million by 2026, highlighting the need to improve air transport infrastructure.

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK, IATA, ICAO, GMMX), voted the second best regional airport in Africa for 2023, serves as a major hub for travelers to and from Morocco. Located 6 km (4 miles) from the center of Marrakech, it is the country’s second busiest airport and one of Africa’s most impressive, featuring modern architecture and 21st century décor. Marrakech is a popular short-break destination for European visitors, and benefits from its proximity to Morocco’s national airline, Royal Air Maroc (RAM).

Marrakech Menara Airport offers access to 30 airlines and connects to more than 60 international destinations. Located in the southwest of the city, the airport is easily accessible via the R212 motorway, with regular airport bus services and affordable taxi services available.

Popular flight routes from Marrakech Menara Airport include::

• Marrakech – London
• Marrakech – Manchester
• Marrakech – Paris
• Marrakech – Bordeaux
• Marrakech – Milan
• Marrakech – Malaga
• Marrakech – Barcelona