Marrakech strengthens its position as Morocco’s leading tourism destination

08:32

By: Azzat Manal

Marrakech strengthens its position as Morocco’s leading tourism destination

Marrakech continues to reinforce its status as one of Morocco's most important tourism hubs, recording strong growth in hotel stays during the first five months of 2026.

Classified accommodation establishments in the city registered more than 6.05 million overnight stays between January and May, representing an increase of 10% compared with the same period in 2025. The performance highlights the continued momentum of Marrakech's tourism sector and its growing contribution to Morocco's overall visitor activity.

The city's share of national tourism activity is particularly significant. Marrakech accounted for approximately 33% of all overnight stays recorded across Morocco during the period, while the national total reached around 18.1 million nights.

Marrakech's growth slightly outpaced the national trend. Across Morocco, overnight stays in classified accommodation establishments increased by approximately 9% year on year during the first five months of 2026.

Despite the rise in visitor numbers, the occupancy rate of classified accommodation in Marrakech remained stable at 72%, matching the level recorded during the same period last year. The stability suggests that the expansion in tourism activity has been accompanied by sustained demand for the city's accommodation capacity.

May was particularly strong for the destination. Classified establishments recorded more than 1.3 million overnight stays during the month, an increase of 9% compared with May 2025. The occupancy rate also reached approximately 78%, demonstrating the strength of demand as the summer tourism season approached.

At the national level, the average occupancy rate for classified accommodation stood at 56% through the end of May, one percentage point higher than during the corresponding period of 2025. Marrakech therefore continued to perform well above the national average.

The figures reflect the city's enduring appeal among international and domestic visitors. Marrakech's combination of cultural heritage, hospitality infrastructure, tourism services and international connectivity has helped it maintain a central role in Morocco's tourism strategy.

The continued increase in overnight stays also provides an important boost to businesses operating across the tourism ecosystem, including hotels, restaurants, transport providers, tour operators and cultural attractions.

With more than six million overnight stays recorded in only five months, Marrakech is consolidating its position at the forefront of Morocco's tourism industry. If the current trend continues throughout the year, the city could make another significant contribution to the country's efforts to expand tourism revenues and strengthen its position as a leading international destination.