Morocco welcomes nearly 9.4 million tourists in first half of 2026

07:20

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco welcomes nearly 9.4 million tourists in first half of 2026

Morocco welcomed nearly 9.4 million visitors during the first six months of 2026, marking a 6% increase compared with the same period a year earlier and confirming the continued strength of the country’s tourism sector.

According to the latest economic outlook published by Morocco’s Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts, the increase was supported by stronger arrivals from several key European and international markets.

Visitor numbers from France rose by 9%, while arrivals from Germany increased by 14%. Morocco also recorded growth from Belgium and the Netherlands, with increases of 9% and 10% respectively. Italian arrivals rose by 6%, while the Polish market posted a particularly strong 32% increase.

The British and American markets also contributed to the positive performance, with arrivals increasing by 4% and 9% respectively.

The growth in visitor numbers was accompanied by a significant rise in overnight stays at classified tourist accommodation establishments. Overnight stays increased by 9% through the end of June 2026, following a 12% rise recorded during the previous year.

Several Moroccan destinations benefited from the continued expansion in tourism activity. Marrakech recorded a 10% increase in overnight stays, while Agadir and Casablanca each registered an 11% rise. Tangier also posted a 10% increase.

Other destinations experienced even stronger growth. Overnight stays increased by 23% in Ouarzazate and by 20% in Rabat. Al Haouz recorded a 7% rise, while Fez and Essaouira each registered growth of 6%. Errachidia saw overnight stays increase by 9%.

Tourism revenue also strengthened considerably during the first half of the year. Travel receipts reached approximately 64.9 billion Moroccan dirhams by the end of June, representing a 15.9% increase year on year.

The improvement in tourism earnings was particularly pronounced during both quarters of the first half. Revenue increased by 23.5% in the first quarter and by 21.2% in the second quarter, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to Morocco’s economy.

The latest figures point to continued momentum for Morocco’s tourism industry, supported by rising international demand, stronger hotel activity and increasing revenues. The performance also reflects the growing appeal of both Morocco’s established tourist hubs and a wider range of destinations across the country.