Central/Eastern Europe has also witnessed 45 pc annual increase: OAG
Surpassing Egypt, Morocco became Africa’s most-visited tourist destination in 2024 and France was its largest source market in terms of airline capacity, says a report by aviation consultancy firm OAG.
In a press statement, OAG says that according to UN Tourism data, Morocco received 17.4 million international tourists, reflecting a 20 pc increase compared to 2023. In contrast, Egypt recorded 15.7 million visitors.
OAG says that this increase in tourism is attributed to improved air connectivity, strategic marketing and a diverse range of attractions. Morocco offers various travel experiences, which include urban tourism in Marrakech and Casablanca, coastal tourism and other lesser-known destinations.
It also adds that owing to seats scheduled during winter 2024, Western Europe remains Morocco’s primary market, as 6.4 million seats were booked during the October 2024 – March 2025 period, reflecting a 19 pc increase from winter 2023.
OAG says that capacity from North America to Morocco has also grown by 19 pc, while Central/Eastern Europe has also witnessed 45 pc annual increase.
According to the press statement, OAG says France is Morocco’s largest country market by airline capacity, with 2.3 million seats booked in winter 2024, driven by demand from Moroccan expatriates. Additionally, Spain recorded 1.1 million seat bookings. Year-on-year growth in airline capacity has been significant, with the UK increasing by 45 pc, Spain and Portugal by 30 pc, and Switzerland by 27 pc.
It also says that the expansion in airline capacity is led by low cost carriers (LCCs) such as Ryanair, easyJet, Air Arabia Maroc, Jet2 and Transavia, with Ryanair being the largest LCC operating flights to Morocco, as it added over 325,000 seats in Winter 2024, which was 67 pc more than easyJet, the next largest carrier.
Additonally, OAG says that Ryanair expanded its operations by adding 24 new international routes from Western Europe to Morocco during this period, increasing its network by 10 routes. Additionally, the Moroccan government granted Ryanair cabotage rights, allowing it to operate domestic flights. As a result, Ryanair introduced 11 domestic routes, six of which it exclusively operates.
But it also says that the capacity from Central/Eastern Europe to Morocco has also increased, with Ryanair introducing flights from Krakow in Poland to Marrakech, with Wizz Air Malta launching services from Bucharest in Romania, and Wizz Air introducing flights from Budapest in Hungary.
As per a press statement, OAG says that United Airlines in North America has begun operating a three-weekly service from Newark, New Jersey to Marrakech in October 2024, while Delta Air Lines announced a three-weekly service from Atlanta, Georgia to Marrakech, scheduled to commence in October 2025. Additonally, United operates a Boeing 767-300ER on the route, while Delta will use a Boeing 767-400ER, both featuring a three-cabin configuration.
It also says that Royal Air Maroc provides 58 pc of European airline capacity to Casablanca, while Ryanair holds the largest share of European capacity for Agadir with 36pc, Marrakech, also 36 pc, Rabat at 38 pc and Tangier at 48 pc. Moreover, EasyJet is a strong competitor for Agadir, Marrakech, and Rabat but it does not operate in Tangier, where Air Arabia Maroc holds 32 pc of capacity.
Meanwhile, OAG says that the Moroccan government has implemented the Morocco Tourism Strategy 2023-26 to improve air connectivity, expand airports, increase direct flights, and enhance hospitality services.
It adds that popular destinations such as Marrakech and Casablanca continue to attract visitors, while Agadir, Tangier, and Rabat have experienced capacity growth exceeding 30 pc in 2024.
According to a press statement, OAG says that Morocco is expected to attract more tourists with upcoming international events. The country will co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in December and January 2026, followed by the FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.
It says that during this period, the government aims to receive17.5 million tourists by 2026 and at least 26 million by 2030.
"
