Morocco Cements Its Position as Africa’s Premier Tourism Investment Hub
With its robust economic prospects, sustained growth, and attractive incentives, morocco has solidified its status as a leader in tourism investment in Africa. This was highlighted in the recently unveiled guide, “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in morocco,” presented during the International Conference on Technological Innovation and Tourist Investment in marrakech.
The guide underscores Morocco’s dominance in the African tourism market, attributing its success to a combination of attractive fiscal incentives, quality infrastructure, and an enterprising progress strategy. In 2024, the kingdom welcomed 17.4 million international tourists, cementing its position as Africa’s top destination. Additionally, Morocco recorded a 43% growth in international tourism revenues compared to 2019, further enhancing its global competitiveness.
Strategic Location and Rich Cultural Heritage
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Morocco’s strategic location, just 14 km from Europe, provides unparalleled access to a market of 2.5 billion consumers. The country is also renowned for its cultural wealth and natural beauty, boasting 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 11 national parks, and over 3,500 km of coastline.
“These assets, combined with modern infrastructure such as 19 airports, 27 commercial ports, a road network of 1,800 km of highways, and a rail network of more then 2,100 km, allow Morocco to attract a constant flow of investors and visitors,” the guide states.
Incentives and Investment protection
Morocco offers a range of incentives to attract foreign investors, including an ambitious investment charter and measures that can cover up to 30% of eligible investments. The kingdom has also established investment protection agreements with 72 countries and double taxation avoidance agreements with 62 countries,bolstering investor confidence.
Regional Investment Centers (CRI) play a pivotal role in streamlining administrative procedures and supporting investors throughout their projects. This has positioned Morocco as a model for promoting regional and international investments.
Preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup
As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, ambitious projects are underway to develop tourism infrastructure. Thousands of new beds are being created in host cities to meet growing demand and support the sector’s expansion.
Innovation and Sustainability Initiatives
The guide also highlights morocco’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Initiatives like the national tourist startups competition encourage the development of technological and enduring solutions in areas such as the blue economy,cultural and natural heritage,and sustainable cities.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Tourism is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy, contributing billions of dollars to GDP and creating nearly 364,000 formal jobs. Between 2014 and 2023, the sector attracted $2.2 billion in foreign direct investment, reinforcing morocco’s position as a tourism leader in africa and a key player on the global stage.“With a direct contribution to GDP estimated at several billion dollars and the creation of formal jobs for nearly 364,000 people, the tourism sector is a real pillar of the Moroccan economy,” the guide emphasizes.developed in collaboration with the Moroccan Tourist Engineering Company (SMIT), the guide serves as a comprehensive resource for investors and tourism professionals, offering in-depth insights into the Moroccan tourism sector and facilitating informed investment decisions.
Key Highlights of Morocco’s Tourism Sector
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| International Tourists | 17.4 million arrivals in 2024 |
| Revenue Growth | 43% increase compared to 2019 |
| Infrastructure | 19 airports,27 commercial ports,1,800 km of highways,2,100 km of rail |
| Investment Incentives | Up to 30% coverage of eligible investments |
| economic contribution | Billions of dollars to GDP,364,000 jobs |
Morocco’s strategic vision and ambitious policies have not only made it a leading tourist destination but also a reference investment platform,driving development and innovation across the African continent.
Morocco Cements Its Position as Africa’s Premier Tourism Investment Hub: An In-depth Conversation
Morocco has emerged as a beacon of economic growth and tourism innovation in Africa. With its strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and robust infrastructure, the kingdom has become a magnet for investors and tourists alike. To delve deeper into Morocco’s success story, we spoke with Dr. Amine Benali, a renowned expert in tourism economics and African development. Dr. Benali shares his insights on Morocco’s strategic vision,its ambitious policies,and how the country is setting a benchmark for tourism investment across the continent.
Strategic Location and Cultural Richness
Senior Editor: Dr. benali, Morocco’s geographical position is often cited as a key factor in its tourism success. Can you elaborate on how this has shaped its growth as an investment hub?
dr. Amine benali: Absolutely. Morocco’s proximity to Europe—just 14 kilometers away—provides unparalleled access to a massive consumer base of over 2.5 billion people. This strategic location is complemented by the country’s rich cultural heritage, including nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 11 national parks, and a stunning coastline spanning over 3,500 kilometers. These assets, combined with modern infrastructure such as 19 airports, 27 commercial ports, and an extensive road and rail network, create an ecosystem that is highly attractive to both tourists and investors.
investment Incentives and Protection
Senior Editor: Morocco has implemented several measures to attract foreign investment.what role do incentives like the investment charter and protection agreements play in this regard?
Dr. Amine Benali: morocco’s investment charter is a game-changer. It offers up to 30% coverage of eligible investments, which is a significant incentive for foreign investors. Additionally, the kingdom has signed investment protection agreements with 72 countries and double taxation avoidance agreements with 62 countries. these measures provide a sense of security and confidence to investors, making Morocco a reliable destination for capital. The Regional Investment Centers (CRI) further streamline administrative processes, ensuring a smooth experience for investors from start to finish.
Preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup
Senior Editor: Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal is a major milestone. How is the kingdom leveraging this possibility to boost its tourism sector?
Dr. Amine Benali: The World Cup is a catalyst for massive infrastructure development. Morocco is investing heavily in creating thousands of new beds in host cities to accommodate the influx of visitors. This not only prepares the country for the event but also lays the foundation for long-term growth in the tourism sector. The World Cup will also shine a global spotlight on Morocco,showcasing its capabilities and further enhancing its reputation as a leading tourism destination.
Innovation and Sustainability
Senior Editor: Morocco has been proactive in promoting innovation and sustainability in tourism. Can you highlight some of these initiatives?
Dr. Amine Benali: Certainly.Morocco’s commitment to innovation is evident in initiatives like the national tourist startups competition, which encourages the development of technological solutions in areas such as the blue economy, cultural and natural heritage, and lasting cities. These efforts align with global trends and position Morocco as a forward-thinking destination. The focus on sustainability not only enhances the visitor experience but also ensures that tourism growth is environmentally responsible.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Senior Editor: Tourism is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy. What does the future hold for this sector, and how does it contribute to the kingdom’s broader economic goals?
Dr. Amine Benali: Tourism contributes billions of dollars to morocco’s GDP and has created nearly 364,000 formal jobs.Between 2014 and 2023, the sector attracted $2.2 billion in foreign direct investment, reinforcing its importance to the economy.Looking ahead, Morocco’s strategic vision and ambitious policies—such as those outlined in the guide “tourism Doing Business - Investing in Morocco”—will continue to drive growth. The kingdom is not just a leading tourist destination but also a model for promoting regional and international investments, setting a benchmark for Africa and beyond.
Conclusion
Our conversation with Dr. amine Benali underscores Morocco’s remarkable journey as a tourism and investment leader in Africa. From its strategic location and rich cultural heritage to its innovative policies and ambitious projects,Morocco is setting a high standard for sustainable tourism development. As the kingdom prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, its commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability ensures it will remain a key player on the global stage for years to come.
