Moroccan Tourism Poised for a Strong Recovery in 2026
Industry stakeholders and experts have identified 2026 as a pivotal year for Morocco's tourism sector, particularly following the positive performance indicators observed in the first quarter. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism, Craft Industry, Social Economy, and Solidarity, which was shared by Minister Fatima Zahra Ammor on her Facebook account, Morocco welcomed approximately 4.3 million tourists during the first three months of 2026, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth underscores the positive dynamics within the tourism sector, bolstered by improved air connectivity, diversification of source markets, and an enhanced tourism offering, with particularly strong performance recorded in March.
Tourism expert Zouhair Bouhout noted that the sector experienced a robust surge at the beginning of the year, with January and February witnessing an increase exceeding 20%. He explained that this revival coincided with favorable conditions and the continuation of growth trends from previous periods, providing strong indicators of optimism for the sector. However, as March progressed, the cumulative growth rate experienced a decline, stabilizing at just +7%. This reduction reflects a significant drop in performance for March compared to the previous year, suggesting that the stability at 7% after a strong start (20%) indicates a potential downturn in figures for that month.
Bouhout attributed this slowdown to various international factors, primarily the ongoing war's repercussions on air travel and travel costs. Despite Morocco's status as a safe destination, external influences do not operate in a vacuum; they are subject to global market fluctuations and transportation costs. He further highlighted that rising fuel prices (kerosene) have led to increased airfare, compounded by inflation that weakens tourists' purchasing power. Collectively, these factors may not deter tourists from visiting, but they are likely to result in shorter stays and decreased spending during their trips.
Looking ahead, Bouhout's projections indicate a continued recovery, albeit at a moderate pace ranging from 5% to 6%. He considers that achieving a cumulative growth of around 10% by the end of the forthcoming months would represent a positive outcome given the current structural and situational crises.
Regional Developments and Increased Demand
Sofiane Bachar, president of the Regional Hotel Industry Association for the Drâa-Tafilalet region and a member of the National Federation of the Hotel Industry, remarked on the noticeable tourism boom within this region, evidenced by rising figures and an observable increase in demand. He noted that collaborative efforts between regional authorities and professionals have helped address issues related to the informal sector, with many operators now voluntarily declaring their activities. This shift has led to numerous previously unregistered hotels and camping sites being included in official statistics, revealing a more substantial real tourism activity in the area.
Quantitatively, Bachar highlighted that the region boasts approximately 9,000 beds, including 7,000 in camping facilities and 2,000 that were previously unclassified. This overcoming of obstacles has enabled the inclusion of thousands of overnight stays in overall statistics, providing an accurate picture of the tourism movement that rivals major national destinations such as Marrakech and Agadir.
As reported by hespress.com.
