Morocco is a stunningly beautiful country with a rich culture and options for all budgets.
In a post-covid world, Morocco is working hard to attract more significant visitor numbers, which means that you’ll find warm and welcoming people here who are keen to ensure you have a good time.
And the growth plan is working.
The number of visitors traveling to Morocco has grown by 17% this year when compared to the same period in 2019.
The countries with the biggest increase in the number of tourists visiting Morocco are Spain, Britain, Italy, and America.
Here are 6 reasons why Morocco is growing in popularity with American tourists and why you should consider visiting too:
A Cultural Melting Pot
Morocco is a cultural melting pot with mixed influencers from the Berbers and the Arabs that make up the majority of the Moroccan people. Morocco’s heritage is also influenced by Andalusia in the North and by Sub-Saharan cultures in the South.
This varied cultural mix means that the people of Morocco are tolerant and welcoming to people from all backgrounds.
Many people who visit Morocco come for the UNESCO heritage sites, the weather, and the beaches. But the highlight of their trip is often its people.
The Moroccan government has launched a new tourism promotion for 2023 called ‘Morocco, Land of Light’. This focus on promoting tourism means that the people of Morocco are more warm and welcoming than ever.
The friendly and down-to-earth Moroccan people are often keen to share a meal with you, invite you into their homes, and give you an insight into their way of life.
Beautiful Beaches
Many Americans are drawn to Europe for its beautiful beaches, calm waters, and soft white sands. But if you’re looking for European-style beaches at more affordable prices, then Africa and Morocco are great choices for 2023.
Like the more popular beach vacation countries of Spain, Italy, and Turkey, Morocco boasts access to both the calm seas of the Mediterranean and the wild beauty of the Atlantic.
Some of the best beaches in Morocco include the beautiful 10km long Blue Flag beach of Tagharte Bech in Essaouira.
If you’re looking for a crowd-free and natural beach, then head south to the village of Sidi Kaouki, where Sidi Kaouki Beach is exposed to the powerful Atlantic winds and attracts surfers from all over the world.
Affordable and Accessible
Whether you’re looking for a luxury lover or are a backpacker on a budget, Morocco is a very inexpensive country by Western standards.
In the current financial climate, travelers are looking to get more bang for their buck, and Morocco is a country that offers this in 2023.
The U.S. dollar is currently very strong against the Moroccan Dirham, meaning that luxury travelers will find that their money goes a little further. And you will find an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants and lavish resorts to spend that money on.
Meanwhile, public transport is easy to navigate in Morocco, and camping is both common and popular, so it is easy for budget travelers to cut their costs considerably here. You can easily spend between $12-15 per day on food and drink, still eating dishes that are delicious and plentiful.
An Abundance of Beautiful Attractions
Morocco has a rich cultural heritage with more attractions than you could fit into any one vacation.
The country boasts 9 UNESCO World Heritage attractions. The most recent of these, the modern capital and historic city of Rabat was added to the list in 2012.
Most visitors to Morocco will head to its most famous city of Marrakesh, where they can visit historic palaces, shop in the famous medina and souks, and relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam.
The old city of Marrakesh was founded in the 11th century and is a great place to get lost and explore the authentic heart of Morocco.
Activities for the Adventurous
If you’re looking to do something a little more exciting than wander around historical attractions or laze by the pool, then Morocco is the place to be.
There are attractions here for every type of adventurer.
Visit Dakhla if you want to try water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing. Boasting views of both the desert and the Atlantic Ocean, Dakhla is considered a surfers paradise. You can also hire both kayaks and paddleboards here.
Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco, is nestled in the Rif Mountains and is a great place for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.
The Moroccan authorities are keen to attract all types of tourism and are promoting activity breaks in the country.
Other activities for adrenaline junkies available across Morocco include camel riding, quad biking through the sand, or taking a hot air balloon ride above the Sahara Desert.
Morocco is a Safe Country
Despite its location in an unstable and volatile region, Morocco is a safe country for tourists. It is politically stable and boasts steady economic growth.
On the U.S. State Department’s scale of four travel advisory levels, Morocco is currently at level 2. This means American visitors to the country should exercise increased caution.
Due to the small risk of terrorism in the country, Americans in Morocco are advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds, stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, and follow the Department of State on both Twitter and Facebook in case of updates or alerts.
Whilst you should exercise caution in Morocco, Morocco remains safe. Crime in the country is mainly petty crime, such as thefts and pickpockets.
