Morocco Sets New Tourism Record, Overtaking Egypt as Africa’s Most-Visited Country

Morocco has set a new tourism milestone in 2024, recording a remarkable 20% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. This surge has positioned Morocco as the top tourist destination in Africa, surpassing Egypt, which also achieved a record-breaking 15.7 million arrivals. The latest figures indicate that Morocco’s tourism sector has not only rebounded but has grown by more than 33% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

In this exclusive conversation, Sanjay Dhar, Founder & CEO of Travel and Food Network, sits down with Jamal Younes Kilito, Country Manager, India, Moroccan National Tourism Office, to explore Morocco’s expanding appeal among Indian travelers. They discuss the country’s tourism strategy, efforts to enhance its presence in India, and what makes Morocco a compelling destination for Indian visitors.

Morocco has been experiencing impressive growth in tourism. Can you share some key figures?

Absolutely! Last year, we welcomed 41,000 Indian passport holders to Morocco, marking a 43% increase compared to 2023. On a global scale, we received 17.4 million tourists, making Morocco the number one tourist destination in Africa. We surpassed Egypt by nearly 2 million visitors, as Egypt recorded about 15.7 million arrivals.

What do you think is driving Morocco’s momentum?

It’s a combination of factors. Morocco is growing as a tourism destination, and we aim to maintain this upward trajectory. We are also hosting two major global football events—the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 and co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2030 with Spain and Portugal. These events provide opportunities to develop our infrastructure, expand our airport capacities, and enhance tourism experience. By 2030, we aim to reach 26 million visitors annually.

Moroccan cuisine is renowned worldwide. What makes it unique?

Moroccan cuisine stands apart because Morocco has a distinct culinary identity. Our cuisine is a blend of sweet and savory flavors, seen in dishes like pastilla, tagines, and couscous. We are investing in high-end restaurants to enhance the gastro-tourism experience. Renowned French chef Joël Robuchon ranked Moroccan cuisine among the top three in the world, alongside French and Chinese cuisine.

Is there a vibrant street food culture in Morocco?

One of the largest street food hubs is Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech. Visitors can enjoy dishes like grilled meats, tangia (slow-cooked meat stew), harira (pea soup), maakouda (potato croquettes), and Babbouche (snails cooked in a spiced broth).

Indian travelers often look for vegetarian options. Does Moroccan cuisine cater to them?

Yes! Almost all Moroccan dishes have vegetarian versions. You can enjoy vegetarian couscous, vegetarian tagines (slow cooked stews), and even vegetarian pastilla (savory pie). Our mezze-style salads offer a wide range of plant-based options as well.

Would you classify Morocco as a premium destination, or is it budget-friendly?

Morocco offers a premium experience without being excessively expensive. The biggest cost for Indian travelers is the flight, which typically ranges from ₹70,000 to ₹1,00,000. On the ground, a one-week stay costs between ₹1,00,000 and ₹1,50,000, depending on accommodations. While luxury experiences are available, affordable options exist as well.

How are you promoting Morocco to the Indian travellers?

Right now, our focus is on B2B partnerships with travel agents, tour operators, and online travel agencies. Once we expand the available travel packages, we will move toward B2C marketing, directly targeting Indian travelers.

Are there any efforts to establish direct flights between India and Morocco?

Yes, that’s one of our priorities. Once we reach 100,000 Indian visitors annually, it will help us negotiate direct flights between India and Morocco. We are in discussions with Air India and other carriers, and we hope to see progress by next year or the year after.

How easy is it for Indian travelers to get a Moroccan visa?

Indian travelers must upload documents online, and the process takes anywhere from a few hours to a few days. However, we are working on improving the system, and soon, travelers may get longer validity visas for easier access.

Many Indian tourists combine Spain and Morocco in one trip. Do you see this as a growing trend?

Absolutely! Spain is just 13 km from Morocco, and many travelers split their holidays between the two. A 5-day Spain trip followed by 10 days in Morocco is a popular itinerary.

What are some key experiences you would like us to highlight for the Indian travellers?

Our goal is to highlight Morocco’s unique experiences—from Michelin-star dining to desert adventures, cultural heritage sites, and hidden gems that go beyond typical tourist routes.

Morocco’s rich history, spanning over 300,000 years, is a tapestry woven with the influences of great civilizations, drawing travelers eager to explore its cultural depth. From the well-preserved Roman ruins of Volubilis to the striking Amazigh stone and earth architecture, Morocco offers a captivating glimpse into its pre-Islamic past. UNESCO-listed heritage sites like Lixus and Volubilis stand as testaments to the legacies of the Phoenicians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, Amazighs, and Arabs. The nation’s historical journey is further defined by the rise and splendor of powerful Moroccan dynasties, including the Almohads, Almoravids, Merinids, and the reigning Alaouite dynasty. Beyond history, Morocco enchants visitors with its bustling souks, vibrant traditions, stunning landscapes—from the Sahara Desert to the Atlas Mountains—and its unique fusion of African, Arab, and Mediterranean influences, making it an irresistible destination for cultural explorers.

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