Moroccan tourism sees 17% rise in visitors from Azerbaijan

Tuesday 01 September 2026 - 10:47

By: Azzat Manal

Moroccan tourism sees 17% rise in visitors from Azerbaijan

Morocco recorded a notable increase in tourist arrivals from Azerbaijan during the first half of 2026, highlighting the growing momentum in tourism ties between the two countries.

According to available statistics, 1,427 Azerbaijani tourists visited Morocco between January and June 2026, compared with 1,217 during the same period in 2025. The figures represent an overall increase of approximately 17 percent.

The strongest monthly growth was recorded in February, when arrivals jumped by 61.6 percent year-on-year, rising from 146 to 236 visitors. Tourist numbers remained broadly stable in March before accelerating again in April.

April registered a 46.6 percent increase, with arrivals climbing from 191 to 280 visitors. This was the highest monthly figure recorded from the Azerbaijani market during the first six months of the year.

The number of visitors also increased significantly toward the end of the first half, reaching 273 in June compared with 205 a year earlier, representing growth of 33.2 percent. The improvement helped offset weaker performances recorded earlier in January and May.

The expansion comes amid strengthening relations between Rabat and Baku, supported by closer diplomatic cooperation and efforts to facilitate travel between the two countries. A key development was the implementation of a mutual visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports.

The agreement was signed in May 2024 by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on the sidelines of the 15th Islamic Summit. It subsequently entered into force at the end of August 2024.

The visa-free arrangement is expected to make travel easier for tourists and business visitors while contributing to the diversification of Morocco's international tourism markets.

Moroccan diplomatic officials in Azerbaijan have also emphasized the importance of encouraging Azerbaijani companies to explore investment and business opportunities in Morocco, while promoting Moroccan products and services in the Azerbaijani market.

The latest tourism figures suggest that Azerbaijan could become an increasingly important source market for Morocco as both countries seek to deepen economic, commercial and tourism cooperation.