Spanish Hospitality Flourishes in Moroccan Landscapes

Thursday 08 August 2024 - 08:15

In a strategic move to enhance its footprint in North Africa, Spain's Checkin Hotels has unveiled plans to inaugurate two distinctive accommodations in Morocco. This expansion underscores the growing allure of the Moroccan hospitality sector for Spanish investors.

The first establishment, DWO Marrakech Ennakikhl, is set to grace Morocco's enchanting Red City. This luxurious five-star property will boast 230 rooms, offering guests a premium experience in one of the country's most sought-after destinations.

For those seeking a more adventurous stay, the DWO Golden Camp Merzouga promises an unforgettable experience. Nestled amidst the undulating dunes of the Erg Chebbi in the heart of the Sahara, this unique accommodation will feature 32 tents equipped with modern amenities, blending traditional desert charm with contemporary comfort.

These new ventures follow the successful launch of Checkin Group's inaugural Moroccan property, the four-star DWO Le Bedouin resort, which opened its doors in March 2023 in the Agafay desert near Marrakech.

This expansion is not an isolated phenomenon. Recent reports highlight a surge of interest from Spanish hospitality groups in the Moroccan market. Prominent names such as Barcelo, Riu, and Iberostar are among those eyeing opportunities in this burgeoning sector.

The trend continues with Senator Hotels & Resorts, which announced its entry into the Moroccan market in February with the Senator Babylon, a beachfront resort in the southern city of Dakhla. Meanwhile, the Hotusa group revealed plans in May to establish three new hotels in Casablanca, Morocco's bustling financial hub.

Morocco's appeal as an investment destination for the hospitality industry is multifaceted. The country's stability relative to other regional options, coupled with its status as a major tourism hub, makes it an attractive prospect for stakeholders.

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2023, Morocco welcomed an impressive 14 million tourists, surpassing the record-breaking figures of 2019, before the global health crisis. Projections for 2024 are even more optimistic, with expectations of over 15 million visitors.

Financial indicators further reinforce this positive trajectory. According to the Moroccan Office of Exchange, tourism revenues for the first half of 2024 reached MAD 49 billion ($4.9 billion), marking a 2.3% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.

Tourist arrivals have also seen a significant uptick, with a 13.9% increase in the first six months of 2024. The influx of visitors reached 7 million, with foreign tourists accounting for 54.2% of arrivals – a notable 16.3% rise from the previous year.

As Morocco continues to cement its position as a premier tourist destination, the Spanish hospitality sector's growing involvement signals a promising future for tourism collaboration between these Mediterranean neighbors.