Barceló Leads in Spanish Hotel Presence in Morocco
The Balearic hotel chain Barceló has emerged as the frontrunner in the Spanish hospitality landscape in Morocco, boasting a total of 11 hotels spread across various key cities in the country. Following closely behind are competitors such as Riu, Iberostar, Ona Hotels, and Soho Boutique Hotels, each contributing to the growing Spanish footprint in this North African nation.
According to a recent report by Preferente, Barceló's establishment in Morocco includes four hotels in Casablanca, two in Tangier, two in Marrakech, as well as one each in Agadir, Fez, and Rabat. This strategic distribution allows Barceló to not only lead but also significantly influence the presence of Spanish hospitality within the Moroccan market.
In the second position is Riu, with a total of six hotels located in Agadir and Marrakech. Iberostar follows with three properties located in Agadir, Marrakech, and Saïdia, while Meliá operates a single hotel, namely the Sol Oasis in Marrakech. Soho Boutique Hotels has two establishments in Casablanca and Tetuán, while Ona Hotels and Apartments has three assets, with one in Saïdia and two in Marrakech.
This expansion by major Spanish hotel chains is fueled by Morocco's remarkable growth in the tourism sector, which has broken records in recent years thanks to favorable investment conditions and a politically stable environment. In fact, the country recorded an impressive 19.8 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, marking a historic milestone.
However, this upward trend may face challenges due to the migration crisis currently affecting Ceuta. Recent media coverage of mass migrations and associated tragedies has raised concerns about Morocco's reputation as a tourist destination, potentially impacting future tourism demand. Spanish companies with vested interests in the Moroccan tourism market are closely monitoring this situation as it unfolds.
As reported by preferente.com.
