Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch announced that domestic tourism in Morocco saw a significant boost in 2024, with Moroccan citizens accounting for 8.5 million overnight stays in classified hotels. This figure represents 30 percent of the total overnight stays, underscoring the vital contribution of local tourists to the nation's tourism recovery. During a monthly oral question session on public policy, dedicated to discussing «the major trends of Morocco's tourism policy», Akhannouch highlighted that Moroccan tourists outpaced all foreign visitors, emphasizing their crucial role in revitalizing the sector. Akhannouch outlined a strategic roadmap for tourism, introducing a new vision focused on enhancing the tourist experience. This involves developing internal tourism chains in coastal cities and natural areas, aiming to create innovative tourism products tailored for Moroccan tourists. To improve connectivity among tourist destinations, the government has implemented measures to promote domestic tourism. These include enhancing tourism activities, upgrading service levels, and advancing infrastructure. A key component is the development of a modern transportation network to ensure seamless travel conditions for tourists, aligning with the Morocco 2030 vision. In road infrastructure, Akhannouch detailed ongoing projects like the Tiznit-Dakhla highway and the Barchid-Tit Mellil axis. New initiatives include the continental highway between Rabat and Casablanca, the Guercif-Nador highway, and a new route between Agadir and Tiznit. For rail transport, plans are underway to extend the high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech over 430 kilometers. On the aviation front, efforts are being made to expand Morocco's airport network to handle 80 million passengers by 2035, up from the current 38 million. As part of this expansion, airports in Rabat-Salé, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Fes, Tangier, Marrakech, Beni Mellal, Zagora, and Nador are being upgraded. Additionally, Mohammed V International Airport is set for development, aiming to accommodate 23 million passengers by 2030 with the construction of a third runway. Further upgrades are planned for Marrakech airport to handle 14 million passengers by 2030, while Agadir airport is being renovated to increase its capacity to 6.3 million passengers by the same year.
