Tanger Solidifies Its Position as a Leading Tourist Destination
In the first quarter of 2026, the vibrant city of Tanger has successfully reinforced its status as the fourth most visited tourist destination in Morocco, according to data from the National Tourism Observatory (ONT). This achievement reflects a growing trend in the tourism sector, showcasing the city's unique blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions that continue to draw visitors from both domestic and international backgrounds.
Between January and March of this year, Tanger recorded over 417,000 overnight stays, marking an impressive annual growth rate of approximately 11%. This figure encapsulates about 4% of the total overnight stays across the country, placing Tanger behind the leading cities of Marrakech (34%), Agadir (20%), and Casablanca (8%). Such statistics underscore the city's increasing appeal as a tourist hub, highlighting the efforts made to enhance its hospitality offerings and visitor experiences.
During the first quarter of 2026, hotels and other classified accommodation establishments in Tanger experienced an occupancy rate of about 47%, which, while slightly below the national average of 52%, indicates a robust demand for lodging options in the city. Specifically, in March alone, these establishments recorded approximately 133,000 overnight stays—a substantial increase of 26% compared to the same month in the previous year, reflecting a positive trajectory for the tourism industry in the region.
Furthermore, the broader Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region reported a total of approximately 654,000 overnight stays by the end of March, which represents a year-on-year increase of around 2%. This regional data highlights that nearly 7% of all overnight stays recorded nationally are attributed to this area, with an average occupancy rate of 36% across its classified accommodations.
On a national scale, Morocco's classified tourist accommodation establishments reported nearly 9.85 million overnight stays during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 10% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is indicative of the recovery and expansion of the tourism sector in Morocco, buoyed by both international visitors and local tourists eager to explore the diverse offerings of the country.
As reported by telquel.ma.
