Morocco has emerged as Africa's most visited destination, attracting 17.4 million visitors in 2024, according to its Ministry of Tourism. This achievement edges out Egypt, the continent's former tourism leader, which set a new record with 15.7 million arrivals in the same year.

This remarkable milestone represents a 20% increase from 2023 and over a 33% rise compared to its pre-pandemic record of 13 million visitors in 2019. This achievement has propelled the Kingdom of Light two years ahead of its tourism growth projections.

According to The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), Africa welcomed 6% more tourists than in January-September 2024 compared to the same months of 2019. By subregions, North Africa and Central America saw the strongest performance in January-September 2024, with 18% and 16% more international arrivals than before the pandemic respectively.

To break into the top 15 global tourist destinations, Morocco would need to surpass Japan, which welcomed 25 million international visitors in 2023, according to the most recent UN Tourism data.

Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor attributed Morocco's tourism growth to key drivers such as the introduction of 120 airline routes in 2024, highlighted by a nonstop flight from Newark to Marrakesh on United Airlines. Additionally, the country welcomed new luxury hotels from brands like Four Seasons and Nobu, further enhancing its appeal as a premier destination.

The country has opened additional air routes to key tourist markets, while promoting new destinations within the country and encouraging the renovation of hotels. These efforts have contributed to Morocco's tourism success in 2024, which wasn't just about visitor numbers—it also set a new revenue record, generating $11 billion, up from $10.5 billion in 2023.

The future of Morocco's tourism industry looks even brighter. The country is set to host the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, an event expected to attract soccer enthusiasts worldwide. Looking further ahead, Morocco's co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal in 2030 is projected to drive tourism numbers to unprecedented levels, with an ambitious target of 26 million visitors—marking a 50% increase from current figures.

In conclusion, Morocco's emergence as Africa's most visited destination is a significant achievement, driven by strategic investments in tourism infrastructure and marketing efforts. As the country continues to grow its tourism industry, it is likely to have a positive impact on the local economy and cement its position as a premier tourist destination in Africa.