Morocco Tourism Revenues Reach 79 Billion Dirhams As...

Morocco's international travel revenues reached MAD 79.009 billion (MAD 79.01 billion) during the first seven months of 2026, marking a 13.4% year-on-year increase as nearly 9.4 million visitors arrived in the Kingdom during the first half of the year. The surge forms part of a broader global tourism expansion, with UN Tourism projecting 3% to 4% growth worldwide alongside record-breaking visitor arrivals across Spain, Japan, Türkiye, France, Portugal, and Greece.

Morocco Tourism Receipts Surge and Regional Accommodation Trends

[RABAT, Morocco, Sept. 3, 2026] — Official financial updates released by Morocco's Office des Change confirm that travel receipts generated MAD 79.009 billion between January and July 2026, representing a 13.4% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025. Outbound travel spending by Moroccan residents reached MAD 19.92 billion (+7.3%), resulting in a net travel trade surplus of MAD 59.08 billion (+15.7%).

The financial expansion follows strong physical arrival metrics. Data monitored by the Moroccan National Tourism Office records nearly 9.4 million visitors during the first six months of 2026 (+6% annual growth). Overnight stays at classified accommodation establishments expanded by 9% across the Kingdom.

Regional accommodation growth highlighted strong geographical diversification:

Ouarzazate: +23% overnight stay growth
Rabat: +20% overnight stay growth
Agadir: +11% overnight stay growth
Casablanca: +11% overnight stay growth
Marrakech: +10% overnight stay growth
Tangier: +10% overnight stay growth
Errachidia: +9% overnight stay growth
Al Haouz: +7% overnight stay growth
Fez: +6% overnight stay growth
Essaouira: +6% overnight stay growth

Moroccan airports recorded 22.283 million passengers during the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77% year-on-year). International air traffic reached nearly 19.9 million passengers (+8.82%), with European source markets accounting for more than 16.5 million travellers. Data compiled under the OECD Tourism Trends 2026 report confirmed Morocco welcomed 19.8 million international tourists in 2025.

Global monitoring by UN Tourism indicates international tourist arrivals expanded by 2% during Q1 2026, with full-year 2026 growth forecasted between 3% and 4%.

Morocco Tourism Performance Overview Table

Indicator	Latest Official Figure (2026)	Annual Change / Context
Morocco Travel Receipts (Jan–Jul)	MAD 79.01 Billion	+13.4% year-on-year
Morocco Resident Outbound Spend	MAD 19.92 Billion	+7.3% year-on-year
Morocco Net Travel Surplus	MAD 59.08 Billion	+15.7% year-on-year
H1 International Visitors (Jan–Jun)	Nearly 9.4 Million	+6.0% annual growth
H1 Classified Overnight Stays	National Accommodation	+9.0% overall increase
Airport Passenger Volume (Jan–Jul)	22.283 Million	+8.77% year-on-year
International Air Passengers	19.9 Million (16.5M European)	+8.82% year-on-year

Global Destination Comparisons across Europe and Asia

Morocco’s expansion aligns with historic performance metrics across major international travel destinations:

1. Spain

According to Spain’s National Statistics Institute (INE), 96.8 million international tourists visited Spain in 2025 (+3.2% over 2024), establishing a historical record. In Q1 2025, arrivals reached 17.1 million (+5.7%), while July recorded 11 million visitors and August attracted 11.3 million. Cumulative arrivals reached 91.5 million by November 2025.

2. Japan

Data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows international arrivals expanded from 25.1 million in 2023 to 36.87 million in 2024, before surpassing 40 million visitors in 2025.

3. Türkiye

Ministry of Culture and Tourism data shows foreign arrivals rose from 24.7 million in 2021 to 44.6 million in 2022, 49.2 million in 2023, 52.6 million in 2024, and 52.8 million in 2025.

4. France

INSEE data shows French hotel arrivals reached 124.7 million in 2025 (up from 120.2 million in 2024 and 120.7 million in 2023). Q3 2025 hotel overnight stays totaled 69.2 million (+2.8 million nights), driven by an 11.4% surge in non-resident stays.

5. Portugal

Portugal recorded 34.8 million accommodation guests in 2025, generating 89.7 million overnight stays (compared to 34 million guests and 88.3 million nights in 2024). June 2025 accommodation revenue reached €751.8 million.

6. Greece

The Hellenic Statistical Authority reported 2024 accommodation arrivals up 3.8% and nights up 3.9%. Non-resident international visitors accounted for 73.7% of total arrivals and 83.8% of total overnight stays. European markets contributed 80.4% of non-resident arrivals, led by the UK (16%), Germany (12.9%), and France (6.6%).

Spain International Tourists 5-Year Progression (2021–2025)

Year	International Tourists	Annual Context
2021	31.2 Million	Initial travel recovery phase
2022	71.7 Million	Border re-opening surge
2023	85.2 Million	Post-pandemic growth
2024	93.8 Million	Record-setting baseline
2025	96.8 Million	Historical all-time high (+3.2%)

Japan International Visitor Trend (2021–2025)

Year	International Visitor Trend	Operational Status
2021	Restricted	Border restrictions active
2022	Gradual Reopening	Phased border reopening
2023	25.1 Million	Rapid leisure rebound
2024	36.87 Million	Historical annual record
2025	Above 40 Million	All-time milestone

Türkiye Foreign Visitors 5-Year Progression (2021–2025)

Year	Foreign Visitors	Growth Trajectory
2021	24.7 Million	Reopening baseline
2022	44.6 Million	Major recovery (+80.5%)
2023	49.2 Million	Sustained expansion
2024	52.6 Million	Milestone high
2025	52.8 Million	High-level stabilization

France Hotel Arrivals 5-Year Progression (2021–2025)

Year	Hotel Arrivals	Non-Resident Activity
2021	66.5 Million	Domestic travel focus
2022	115.3 Million	European visitor recovery
2023	120.7 Million	High-density accommodation
2024	120.2 Million	Olympic travel year
2025	124.7 Million	Q3 non-resident nights +11.4%

Portugal Accommodation Performance (2025)

Metric	2025 Official Figure	Historical Benchmark
Tourist-Accommodation Guests	34.8 Million	Up from 34.0 Million (2024)
Total Overnight Stays	89.7 Million	Up from 88.3 Million (2024)
June 2025 Monthly Revenue	€751.8 Million	Peak summer monthly performance

Greece Accommodation Performance Indicators (2024)

Metric	2024 Official Result	Market Share / Context
Total Arrivals Growth	+3.8%	All accommodation types
Total Nights Spent Growth	+3.9%	Overall nights logged
Non-Resident Share of Arrivals	73.7%	Dominant overseas demand
Non-Resident Share of Nights	83.8%	Long-stay overseas visitors
European Market Share	80.4% Arrivals / 89.1% Nights	Primary regional market

Global Final Country Benchmark Comparison Table

Country	Latest Major Indicator	Key Tourism Metric
Morocco	Travel Receipts (Jan–Jul 2026)	MAD 79.01 Billion (+13.4%)
Spain	International Tourists (2025)	96.8 Million (Record High)
Japan	International Visitors (2025)	Above 40 Million (Record High)
Türkiye	Foreign Visitors (2025)	52.8 Million
France	Hotel Arrivals (2025)	124.7 Million
Portugal	Accommodation Guests (2025)	34.8 Million (89.7M Nights)
Greece	Non-Resident Share of Arrivals (2024)	73.7% (83.8% of Nights)

Traveler Logistics Guide & Moroccan Regional Transit Protocol

Planning travel across Morocco's expanding destination network involves specific flight, rail, and lodging strategies:

Airport Gateway Options: International travelers can fly directly into Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, Menara Airport (RAK) in Marrakech, or Ibn Battouta Airport (TNG) in Tangier. European routes account for 16.5 million passengers, ensuring high flight frequency.
High-Speed Rail Transit via Al Boraq: ONCF operates the Al Boraq high-speed rail line, connecting Tangier, Kenitra, Rabat, and Casablanca in 2 hours and 10 minutes. Taking high-speed trains avoids highway driving and connects directly to city centers.
Advance Booking in Emerging Regional Hubs: With Ouarzazate (+23%) and Rabat (+20%) experiencing rapid overnight stay growth, travelers visiting desert circuits or imperial capitals should reserve riads and hotels 30 to 60 days in advance during spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) peak seasons.
Currency Exchange & Financial Protocols: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency. Foreign currency can be exchanged at airport banks or withdrawn via ATMs. Foreign currency declarations are required for amounts exceeding 100,000 MAD equivalent.

Global Tourism Dynamics and Sustainable Destination Capacity

Morocco's strategy of expanding tourism beyond Marrakech into regional hubs like Ouarzazate, Fez, Agadir, and Tangier aligns with regional development models seen in Spain, Türkiye, and Portugal. Distributing visitor traffic reduces environmental pressure on primary historic medinas while spreading economic benefits to regional artisans, transport operators, and rural communities.

As UN Tourism projects 3% to 4% growth worldwide, countries with diverse cultural, coastal, and desert attractions remain well-positioned to capture long-haul travel demand.

For international travelers, Morocco provides an accessible destination featuring modern high-speed infrastructure alongside deep cultural heritage.

Key Tourism Growth Highlights

MAD 79.01 Billion Travel Receipts: Morocco records 13.4% revenue growth through July 2026.
9.4 Million H1 Visitors: Physical arrivals expand by 6% in the first half of 2026.
Strong Regional Growth: Ouarzazate (+23%) and Rabat (+20%) lead national overnight stay gains.
22.28 Million Airport Passengers: Moroccan airport passenger traffic grows 8.77% year-on-year.
Global Benchmarks: Joins record tourism performance in Spain (96.8M), Japan (40M+), and France (124.7M).

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Morocco's travel revenues for January–July 2026?

Morocco's travel revenues reached MAD 79.009 billion (MAD 79.01 billion), representing a 13.4% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

How many visitors did Morocco welcome in the first half of 2026?

Morocco welcomed nearly 9.4 million visitors during the first six months of 2026, marking a 6% annual increase.

Which Moroccan cities experienced the highest overnight stay growth?

Ouarzazate led national growth with a 23% increase in overnight stays, followed by Rabat at 20%, Agadir at 11%, and Casablanca at 11%.

How does Morocco compare with other major tourism destinations?

Global travel is expanding rapidly, with 2025 records reached in Spain (96.8 million tourists), Japan (over 40 million visitors), and France (124.7 million hotel arrivals).

Morocco Tourism Revenues Reach 79 Billion Dirhams As Global Travel Surges Across Spain Japan Türkiye and France