Positive Trends in Essaouira's Tourism Sector
Recent data from the Tourism Observatory has revealed a notable 4% increase in overnight stays at classified tourist accommodation establishments (EHTC) in Essaouira by the end of April 2026, totaling approximately 381,000 overnight stays. These statistics reflect a growing interest in Essaouira as a travel destination, suggesting a recovery and growth phase for the local tourism industry following recent challenges.
The figures indicate that occupancy rates in the region's tourist establishments rose to 53% during the first four months of the year, marking a 2-point improvement compared to the same period in 2025. This trend underlines the resilience of Essaouira's tourism sector, which has been adapting to changing travel patterns and preferences.
April Highlights and National Context
In April alone, Essaouira's EHTC recorded 113,000 overnight stays, representing a slight year-on-year increase of 0.4%. The occupancy rate for this month reached an impressive 62%, an increase of 4 points from April 2025. This positive shift is part of a broader national trend, as Morocco's EHTC collectively recorded over 14 million overnight stays by the end of April 2026, reflecting a 9% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. The national occupancy rate also saw a rise, reaching 55%, which is an encouraging sign of recovery for the Moroccan tourism sector as a whole.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
