Robust Growth in Morocco's Tourism Revenue
The Moroccan tourism sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience and vitality in 2026, with travel revenues reaching an impressive 79.009 billion dirhams by the end of July, reflecting a significant increase of 13.4% compared to the previous year. This surge in revenue coincides with the arrival of nearly 9.4 million visitors during the first half of the year, showcasing a consistent upward trend in tourist traffic as well as accommodations across several strategic markets.
As reported by the Office des Changes, this robust performance underscores the tourism industry's role as a crucial driver of foreign exchange earnings for the Kingdom. The overall increase in travel revenues is indicative of a strong recovery in tourist attendance and a solidification of activities in some of Morocco's most popular destinations. Notably, the travel expenditures also saw a rise of 7.3%, amounting to 19.92 billion dirhams by the end of July, although this rise did not deter the balance of travel from strengthening, which now stands at 59.08 billion dirhams, marking a year-on-year increase of 15.7%.
Significant Increase in Visitor Arrivals and Overnight Stays
The financial success of the tourism sector is closely tied to a notable increase in tourist arrivals. According to data from the Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts (DEPF), the number of visitors to Morocco reached approximately 9.4 million by the end of the first semester of 2026, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is particularly attributed to strong performance from various European markets and an expansion of the international clientele visiting Morocco.
Visitor arrivals from France increased by 9%, while Germany saw a remarkable 14% rise. Additionally, a surge in tourists from Belgium and the Netherlands was recorded, with increases of 9% and 10%, respectively. Other notable markets such as Italy, Poland, and the UK also experienced positive trends, with arrivals from Poland rising by an impressive 32% and those from the United States increasing by 9%. The significant growth from the Polish market reflects Morocco's strategic efforts to diversify its tourist base and reduce reliance on traditional markets.
The upward trend in overnight stays in classified tourist accommodations further mirrors the influx of visitors. By the end of June 2026, overnight stays had increased by 9%, following a previous rise of 12% the year before. Several destinations, including Ouarzazate with a 23% increase and Rabat with a 20% increase, have shown particularly strong performance. Other cities like Agadir and Casablanca also recorded increases of 11%, while Marrakech and Tangier saw a rise of 10%. These figures highlight the expanding attractiveness of Morocco as a diverse travel destination beyond just coastal resorts or traditional tourist hotspots.
As reported by fr.hespress.com.
