Morocco’s tourism growth outpaces the global average as revenues surge 15.9%

08:00

By: Azzat Manal

Morocco’s tourism growth outpaces the global average as revenues surge 15.9%

Morocco’s tourism industry continued to outperform the global market during the first half of 2026, with international arrivals increasing by 6%, compared with just 0.4% worldwide, according to data from UN Tourism. The sector also recorded a significant rise in revenue, reinforcing its role as an important contributor to the national economy.

The figures, highlighted in the organisation’s World Tourism Barometer published in September, point to Morocco’s continued appeal as an international destination despite geopolitical tensions and higher travel costs. Globally, approximately 690 million people travelled internationally between January and June, an increase of around three million compared with the same period in 2025. However, momentum weakened during the second quarter, with international arrivals falling by 0.8% and June arrivals declining by 2.6% year on year.

Regional performance varied considerably. Sub-Saharan Africa recorded 6% growth in international arrivals during the first six months of the year, while North Africa registered an increase of 3%. Morocco’s performance placed it among the destinations benefiting from stronger travel demand despite the more subdued international outlook.

National figures confirm the upward trend. Morocco welcomed approximately 9.4 million visitors by the end of June, a 6% increase compared with the first half of 2025, according to the Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts. Overnight stays in classified tourist accommodation establishments also rose by 9%, indicating continued growth in demand for lodging and related services.

Several major source markets contributed to the increase. Arrivals from Poland climbed by 32%, while Germany recorded growth of 14% and the Netherlands 10%. Visitor numbers from France, Belgium and the United States increased by 9% each. Italy registered a 6% rise, while arrivals from the United Kingdom grew by 4%.

Growth extended across several domestic destinations. Overnight stays in Ouarzazate increased by 23%, while Rabat recorded a 20% rise. Agadir and Casablanca each registered growth of 11%, while Marrakech and Tangier reported increases of 10%. The figures suggest that tourism demand is benefiting multiple destinations beyond the country’s established international hotspots.

Tourism revenue delivered an even stronger performance. Travel receipts reached 64.9 billion Moroccan dirhams by the end of June, up 15.9% from the same period a year earlier, according to the Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts. The increase significantly exceeded the growth rate in visitor arrivals, highlighting the sector’s expanding contribution to foreign-exchange earnings.

However, stronger aggregate receipts do not necessarily mean that every visitor spent more. Tourism revenue can also be influenced by the length of stays, the composition of source markets and the types of accommodation and services purchased. The additional income supports a broad network of economic activities, including hotels, restaurants, transport operators, entertainment businesses and local service providers.

Despite Morocco’s positive results, the outlook for international tourism remains uncertain. UN Tourism has revised its forecast for global arrivals growth in 2026 to between 1% and 2%, down from an earlier projection of 3% to 4%. The adjustment reflects continued volatility in oil prices, inflationary pressures, rising transport costs and geopolitical tensions affecting travel decisions.

Regional disparities underline the scale of these challenges. The Middle East experienced a 22% decline in international arrivals during the first half of the year amid conflict and disruptions to air travel. By comparison, Africa recorded overall growth of 4%, while Europe registered an increase of 3%.

Morocco enters the second half of 2026 with encouraging indicators, supported by rising arrivals, longer stays and stronger tourism receipts. Maintaining this momentum will depend on international conditions, continued demand from key source markets and the country’s ability to diversify its tourism offering. Ensuring that the benefits reach a wider range of destinations and local businesses will also be important to strengthening the sector’s contribution to sustainable economic growth.