Morocco has solidified its position as a prime destination for investors in the tourism industry, according to Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism. In a report titled “Investing in Morocco,” released by the Madrid-based UN agency on Saturday, March 8, Pololikashvili highlighted the kingdom’s appeal to global investors.
“Morocco offers highly attractive prospects for investors due to its strategic geographic location, resilient economic environment, and proactive policies promoting foreign direct investment,” Pololikashvili stated. The report underscores Morocco’s growing allure, with average annual foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reaching $3.5 billion over the past five years across all sectors.
The tourism sector alone has attracted a cumulative $2.2 billion in investments between 2014 and 2023, while hotel infrastructure development has drawn $2.6 billion from 2015 to 2024, the report notes. In 2024, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists—a 35% surge compared to 2019—nearly doubling the sector’s contribution to GDP from 3.7% in 2020 to 7.3% in 2023.
Record-Breaking Tourism Revenue
Morocco has also emerged as Africa’s leader in tourism revenue growth, posting a 43% increase over 2019 figures. In 2023, the country generated $10.5 billion in tourism receipts, a 28% rise from the previous year. “This performance reflects Morocco’s ability to capitalize on its unique strengths,” the report states.
UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona praised Morocco’s economic momentum, noting that the kingdom ranks as Africa’s fifth-largest economy by GDP, with an average growth rate of 2.5% over the past decade. Forecasts project GDP growth of 4% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, supported by controlled inflation and a competitive investment climate.
Strategic Advantages for Investors
The report highlights Morocco’s proximity to Europe, access to a market of 2.5 billion consumers, and a rich cultural and natural heritage as key draws for investors. The country boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, 11 national parks, and top-tier infrastructure, including 19 airports, 27 commercial ports, and 2,000 kilometers of highways.
Morocco’s accommodation capacity has soared by over 60% since 2012, fueled by initiatives like the Moroccan Society of Tourism Engineering (SMIT), which provides tailored support to project developers. “Thanks to its economic strengths, political stability, and investment-friendly framework, Morocco stands out as an unmissable opportunity for those looking to tap into the tourism sector’s growth,” UN Tourism asserts.
A Blueprint for Tourism Growth
The report credits Morocco’s success to resilient fiscal and monetary policies, a stable political and socioeconomic environment, and targeted efforts to bolster tourism. It also spotlights the country’s 2023-2026 Tourism Roadmap, which outlines nine strategic priorities to boost both international and domestic tourism.
With its blend of natural beauty, cultural wealth, and forward-thinking policies, Morocco is poised to remain a top choice for tourism investors worldwide, UN Tourism concludes.
