As the summer season approaches, Agadir is already witnessing a remarkable influx of tourists. By the end of May 2026, the coastal city recorded an impressive 607,894 arrivals and 2.62 million overnight stays, reflecting a significant uptick in hotel occupancy rates. Industry professionals are optimistic about achieving an occupancy rate of up to 95% during the peak months of July and August, driven by school holidays, last-minute bookings, and the resilience of the domestic market. These statistics not only highlight the current dynamics but also forecast a thriving summer for Morocco's premier beach destination.
According to the latest data from the Agadir-Souss-Massa Regional Tourism Council (CRT), the first five months of 2026 have shown a positive trend in both arrivals and overnight stays at classified hotels in the region. This momentum is expected to carry through into the summer season, making it particularly promising for local tourism stakeholders.
Strong Performance Since Early 2026
The cumulative figures from January to May 2026 illustrate a robust growth trajectory, with 607,894 visitors welcomed, marking a 6.6% increase from 570,260 the previous year. Additionally, overnight stays surged by approximately 231,000 units, reaching nearly 2.62 million compared to 2.387 million during the same period in 2025, reflecting a 9.71% rise. This upward trend indicates not only an increase in visitor numbers but also an extension of their stay.
The average hotel occupancy rate rose from 61.78% to 65.78% over the first five months of the year, showcasing the destination's ability to attract more visitors while optimizing the occupancy of its classified tourist accommodation facilities. Notably, five-star establishments have performed exceptionally well, experiencing a 38.15% increase in arrivals and a 40% rise in overnight stays, particularly among British, Polish, Belgian, Dutch, and domestic markets, confirming the diversification of clientele in the region.
A reliable source within the CRT has noted that this upward trend continued into May, with arrivals increasing by 3.28% compared to May 2025, totaling 135,404 tourists, while overnight stays rose by 9.40%, surpassing 564,000. Concurrently, the average occupancy rate for classified hotels climbed from 64.91% to 66.58%. This performance reinforces the notion that the high season for Morocco's leading seaside destination now commences in May, extending beyond the traditional summer months.
Domestic Market Expected to Drive Tourism
As June and July approach, the presence of international visitors remains strong. However, it is essential to note that the domestic market plays a crucial role in sustaining tourism activity. "In reality, the summer season truly begins in early July, coinciding with school vacations and summer holidays," emphasized the source, highlighting that this period is typically one of the main drivers of tourist attendance in the Souss-Massa region.
Domestic tourism serves as a vital lever for the local economy, ensuring high levels of activity during July and August and significantly contributing to the occupancy of hotels and tourist residences. Maintaining an optimistic outlook, the source conveyed that early bookings are already being recorded, and this promising trend is being observed by numerous hoteliers, even before the arrival of last-minute reservations, which are particularly significant in the Moroccan market.
Looking ahead to the summer season, the same source predicts that based on the reservations already logged and observed market trends, the signals are overwhelmingly positive. "We are aiming for an occupancy rate of 95% during July and August," they stated. If these forecasts hold true, Agadir is set to enjoy one of its best summer seasons in recent years, reaffirming its status as a driving force in national beach tourism.
Beyond just an increase in hotel occupancy rates, the prospect of double-digit growth in tourist activity further fuels optimism, as early booking trends suggest performance levels may exceed those recorded in the summer of 2025. Following a strong start to the year, Agadir appears well-positioned to capitalize on a highly favorable summer season, solidifying its role as a key player in national tourism growth.
As reported by medias24.com.
