Tourism in Marrakech and Beyond

How tourists visit Marrakech, Fez and the Sahara, making tourism a key source of foreign currency and jobs, and the growth of arrivals to record levels.

Tourism is a big earner for Morocco.

Attractions

Marrakech’s medina and souks.
Fez, an ancient city.
Sahara desert tours.
Atlantic beaches.

Records

Morocco received over 17 million visitors in 2024, a record.

Diaspora

Many visitors are Moroccans living abroad returning home.

Riads

Traditional houses converted into riad guesthouses.

2023 earthquake

A deadly earthquake in the Atlas mountains in September 2023 hit rural areas near Marrakech.

2030 World Cup

Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

The riad

A family converts their old house in Marrakech's medina into a guesthouse for tourists.

Thinking tourism collapsed after the earthquake

Arrivals reached records in 2024.

Key takeaways

Tourism is a key earner.
Over 17 million visited in 2024.
Riads became guesthouses.
Morocco co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.