This dynamic is embodied through the growth recorded by many economic sectors, including tourism, which undoubtedly remains a driver of the regional economy.
In this context, 2024 was a year of records par excellence, especially regarding the number of overnight stays and the number of arrivals in this part of the national territory.
The Marrakech-Safi region recorded, between January and October 2024, an 8 percent increase in the number of arrivals (3,045,177 visitors) and 11 percent in the number of overnight stays (9,779,730 overnight stays), compared to 2023.
This growth reflects the strong attractiveness of key destinations such as Marrakech, Essaouira, and Al Haouz, where visitors often extend their stay, as evidenced by the 3 percent increase in the average length of stay (from 3.13 days to 3.21 days).
In terms of investments, the region recorded outstanding performance between January and November of the current year.
Thanks to the effective implementation of the national strategy for private investment development, as well as effective institutional support, the region stands out as a hub for economic, tourism, and industrial attractiveness.
Between January and November 2024, 635 new projects were approved, an increase of 51 percent compared to 2023.
The volume of investment in these projects amounts to approximately 93.4 billion dirhams, with 21,266 jobs expected to be created, an increase of 14 percent compared to the same period last year.
This economic dynamic was accompanied by intense cultural activity, as the city of Marrakech and the provinces of the region hosted several major artistic events that attracted a large number of visitors, enlivened the artistic scene, and contributed to the prosperity of the tourism sector.
Throughout the year, the residents and visitors of the Red City lived to the rhythm of activities programmed within the framework of the "Marrakech, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024" events, which served as an occasion to highlight the richness of Marrakech and its cultural and intellectual influence and the uniqueness of its tangible and intangible heritage.
The 53rd edition of the National Festival of Popular Arts also fulfilled all its promises, through a rich and varied programme that saw the participation of various popular arts from all regions of the Kingdom, highlighting this exceptional mosaic of Moroccan intangible heritage.
The same applies to the Marrakech International Film Festival, which celebrated its 21st anniversary this year, allowing fans of the big screen to meet stars and film professionals from all over the world.
The programming of this major international event provided an opportunity to discover and explore very diverse cinematic expressions. In total, 71 films from 32 countries were screened, divided into 6 sections, in various festival venues in Marrakech.
As a destination for major global economic events and meetings, Marrakech had the honor in 2024 of hosting the second edition of "GITEX Africa," the largest technology and startup exhibition on the continental level.
This event, which is an ideal platform for promoting the work of innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises internationally, embodied the Kingdom's firm desire to support technological innovation ecosystems.
The Red City also hosted the seventh edition of the International Aerospace Exhibition "Marrakech Air Show 2024," which is considered one of the most important events in the aerospace industry globally, highlighting the increasing importance that Morocco has gained in the global aerospace industry scene.
This year, the exhibition saw the participation of 200 exhibitors and more than 75 official delegations and spectacular air shows, as well as a rich programme of high-level conferences that addressed emerging trends and current and future challenges of the sector.
Marrakech also hosted the fourth edition of the World Power-to-X Summit 2024, which aims to promote green hydrogen as a key lever for the energy transition in Morocco and internationally.
This event was an opportunity to highlight the "Morocco Offer" in the field of green hydrogen, which is a commitment by the Kingdom to accelerate the transition towards a decarbonized economy, as well as to benefit from Morocco's natural resources and technological progress to be a global hub for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives at competitive prices.
Over the years, the Kingdom has established its position as a preferred destination for hosting major sporting events and competitions, including African events.
Organizing the "CAF Awards 2024" in Marrakech reflects once again the trust that the Kingdom enjoys from continental and international sports bodies.
On the occasion of this sporting event, the Red City welcomed football celebrities from the African continent to reward the players who distinguished themselves during 2024, whether at the national team or club level, as well as the best coaches and teams.
On the sidelines of the CAF Awards, Marrakech also hosted the signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a FIFA office in Africa in Morocco.
This agreement, signed by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, embodies the permanent involvement of the Kingdom of Morocco in the promotion of football, and confirms the vital role of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation as a member of FIFA.
On another note, more than a year after the earthquake that struck several provinces of the region, the reconstruction and rehabilitation process in the affected areas continues at a sustainable pace, in implementation of the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The implementation of the various components of the programme prepared to deal with the various repercussions of this natural disaster has recorded positive progress in several sectors and at several levels.
In this regard, a number of sectoral projects have been implemented, while other projects are nearing completion.
