Morocco has maintained its position as North Africa’s tourism leader in the first quarter of 2025,welcoming 4 million visitors,a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. This performance keeps Morocco ahead of Egypt (3.9 million visitors,up 5%) and Tunisia (2.3 million visitors through April 20,up 8.8%).
Morocco’s strong performance is particularly impressive considering the first quarter included Ramadan,traditionally a slower tourism period. March alone saw 1.4 million visitors despite coinciding with the holy month. The visitor mix included 2.1 million international tourists and 1.9 million Moroccan expatriates.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor attributed this success to “the transformation of Morocco’s tourism offerings.” Key growth factors include increased air connections,particularly low-cost carriers,and successful destination marketing campaigns targeting European markets,with France,Spain,and the UK being top source countries.
Despite strong visitor numbers,revenue growth has been modest. Tourism receipts reached 24.6 billion dirhams ($2.43 billion),up just 2.4% year-on-year. This divergence between arrival and revenue growth has raised concerns among industry professionals about attracting less-spending visitors.
Looking ahead,Morocco targets 20 million annual visitors,with 500-700 new hotels (100,000 additional beds) planned before co-hosting the 2030 World Cup.
Egypt aims to reach 17 million visitors in 2025 (up from 15.7 million in 2024),bolstered by the July opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Tunisia targets 11 million visitors in 2025,focusing on market diversification and improved air connectivity.
The region’s tourism outlook remains positive,benefiting from global travel recovery,reduced geopolitical tensions,and significant upcoming cultural and sporting events.
United News - unews.co.za