Morocco's tourism industry has experienced substantial growth in the first seven months of the year, with classified tourist accommodation establishments recording 25.9 million overnight stays. This represents an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The occupancy rate for these establishments stood at 56%, a one-point increase. The growth in overnight stays is a positive indicator for the sector, which has been a significant contributor to Morocco's economy.
The number of arrivals at border posts also saw a notable increase, reaching 12.1 million, up 5% from the same period in 2025. Furthermore, tourism revenues reached 79 billion dirhams, marking a 13% increase. The disparity between the growth in revenues and the growth in arrivals suggests that the average expenditure per visitor has increased. This trend is a welcome development for the sector, as it indicates a shift towards higher spending by tourists.
The growth in overnight stays was not uniform across all destinations in Morocco. Ouarzazate and Rabat recorded the highest increases, with 23% and 16% growth in overnight stays, respectively. Agadir saw an 11% increase, while Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tanger each recorded a 10% increase. These figures suggest a beginning of a shift in tourist flows, with Ouarzazate and Rabat gaining popularity.
The performance of Ouarzazate and Rabat is significant, as it indicates a start of deconcentration of tourist flows, which have long been concentrated on the Marrakech-Agadir axis. However, despite the growth in overnight stays and revenues, the occupancy rate of 56% remains modest compared to other Mediterranean destinations. This suggests that a significant portion of Morocco's classified accommodation capacity remains underutilized throughout the year.
The underutilization of accommodation capacity has implications for the profitability and investment capacity of establishments in the sector. With an occupancy rate of 56%, many establishments may struggle to achieve economies of scale and invest in upgrading their services. This, in turn, could impact the overall quality of the tourist experience in Morocco.
The current growth trends in Morocco's tourism sector are expected to continue, driven in part by the country's preparations for major sporting events. The sector is anticipated to receive a boost from these events, which are expected to increase the country's accommodation capacity to significantly higher levels. The government and industry stakeholders will be closely monitoring the sector's performance to ensure that it continues to contribute positively to the economy.
Overall, Morocco's tourism sector has made a strong start to the year, with significant growth in overnight stays, arrivals, and revenues. While challenges remain, particularly with regards to underutilization of accommodation capacity, the sector is poised for continued growth and development. The government's efforts to promote tourism and develop new destinations are expected to yield positive results in the coming months and years.
Key points
- Morocco's tourism sector records 25.9 million overnight stays in the first seven months, an 8% increase from the same period in 2025.
- The country's tourism revenues reach 79 billion dirhams, marking a 13% increase from the same period in 2025.
- Ouarzazate and Rabat record significant growth in overnight stays, with 23% and 16% increases, respectively.
