Morocco is set to attract a record number of UK tourists this year. The country anticipates hosting one million British visitors. Various factors, including increased flight options, drive this growth. Morocco is keen to leverage these advancements. The aim is to enhance the travel experience.
With a 75% increase over pre-pandemic levels, Morocco’s tourism sector is booming, driven by expanded airline capacity from 14 UK airports. Morocco’s growing appeal is attracting a surge of tourists, with improved accessibility enhancing this trend. The outlook remains highly positive for Moroccan tourism as it continues to thrive well beyond its pre-pandemic targets.
Increasing British Tourist Numbers
Morocco is preparing for an unprecedented influx of British tourists this year. Projections indicate a noteworthy 23% jump compared to the previous year. This is primarily driven by enhanced airline connectivity, with flights available from 14 different UK airports, making it easier for tourists to reach Moroccan destinations. Jet2 plans to offer 17 weekly flights to Morocco throughout the winter 2024-2025 schedule, significantly increasing accessibility for UK travellers.
Expanding Global Tourism
Beyond the UK, global tourism to Morocco is set for substantial growth. Forecasts by the Moroccan National Tourist Office suggest a nearly 18% annual increase, bringing the number of international visitors to over 13 million. This figure is anticipated to climb to 17.5 million by 2026. Such projections highlight Morocco’s growing appeal as a global travel destination.
Looking Ahead to 2030
The long-term outlook for Moroccan tourism is exceptionally positive. By 2030, with Morocco co-hosting the World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, the country expects to welcome 26 million tourists. This optimism is fuelled by ongoing investments in infrastructure and a strategic vision for tourism growth.
Expansion in Major Cities
Marrakech is poised to see a 46.8% increase in hotel room availability by 2030, which will significantly enhance its capacity to accommodate more visitors. Similarly, Agadir is projected to experience a 35.7% increase in its hotel offerings. These expansions are critical to supporting the anticipated tourism boom.
Campaigns Beyond Main Destinations
Morocco’s tourism board is actively promoting areas beyond the well-trodden path of Marrakech. Initiatives like the ‘Kingdom of Light’ campaign aim to attract visitors to lesser-known regions, broadening tourists’ exposure to Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. This strategic shift is aimed at distributing the influx of tourists more evenly across the country.
Key Industry Insights
According to Meryem Bennouna, UK, Ireland, and Nordics director, the increased tourist numbers mark a crucial milestone in Morocco’s recovery and growth. She emphasises that with increasing investments and better accessibility, Morocco is set to charm more British visitors. The country is ready to showcase its unique beauty better than ever before.
Airline Capacity and Growth
The rise in tourist numbers can be largely attributed to airlines’ increased capacities. More flights are available than ever before, providing a backbone for Morocco’s tourism expansion. This development forms a fundamental part of Morocco’s strategy to boost tourism, offering travellers a seamless journey to their destinations.
Forecasting Economic Impact
Morocco’s tourism sector is set to play an influential role in the national economy. The anticipated increase in visitor numbers is expected to drive economic growth and foster job creation. The sector’s expansion aligns with the broader economic objectives of Morocco, aiming to present the country as a compelling destination on the world map.
Concluding Remarks
With a clear strategy and robust infrastructure enhancements, Morocco stands on the brink of a significant tourism boom, particularly from the UK. The synergy between increased airline connectivity, strategic marketing campaigns, and infrastructure investment all point to a promising future for Morocco’s tourism sector.
Morocco’s tourism sector prepares for substantial growth. Increased UK visitors highlight this potential.
Continued investment and strategic planning are advancing Morocco’s tourism industry.
