Inclusive tourism is pivotal to fostering development across all regions of Morocco, Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Amour said during the inaugural “Morocco Showcase Summit: Tourism, Hospitality, Invest” held in Casablanca on Tuesday.
She maintained that inclusive tourism represents a cornerstone of the sector’s new strategic roadmap.
Amour highlighted innovative initiatives to promote harmonious and comprehensive growth, noting the sector’s remarkable rebound. As of the end of October 2024, Morocco had welcomed 14.6 million tourists, she noted.
The minister attributed this success to strategic investments, including an emergency support budget of USD 200 million post-COVID-19 looking to safeguard jobs and reopen hotels under optimal conditions.
Despite setbacks such as the 2023 earthquake, Morocco has demonstrated resilience through effective management and national solidarity, maintaining strong tourism numbers.
Looking ahead, Morocco aspires to rank among the world’s top 15 tourist destinations by 2030 and to attract 26 million annual visitors.
The roadmap focuses on five priorities covering the transition from destination-based to experience-driven tourism offerings, expanding air travel capacity by 20% annually,
The plan also looks to encourage investments and strengthen human resources to sustain growth.
Amour also highlighted several major social initiatives accompanying the plan, including expanding healthcare coverage and improving wages, and creating a stable foundation for transformation.
She pointed to Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal as a unique opportunity to showcase its infrastructure, cultural wealth, and economic potential, enhancing its global appeal.
The government plans to add 150,000 new hotel beds by 2030 while respecting the unique identity of each region. Landmark projects, including theme parks, cultural routes, and astronomy trails, would diversify tourism offerings and ensure that all regions benefit from the sector’s momentum.
The efforts seek to position Morocco as a premier destination for travelers and investors alike.
Co-hosted by the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development and API Events, the two-day summit attracted over 300 stakeholders from 15 countries, including investors, hoteliers, and tourism professionals.