Casablanca – Morocco continues to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination in the Mediterranean and African regions, supported by sustained growth in arrivals, rising foreign currency revenues, and ongoing infrastructure development. According to reporting by Le Figaro and updated sector data through 2025–2026, the country’s tourism model is increasingly driven by connectivity improvements, diversified destinations, and the legacy of major sporting events already hosted and planned.

Strong performance carried into 2025 and early 2026

Tourism momentum remained strong through 2025, building on record-breaking figures from previous years. Morocco welcomed approximately 17 million international tourists in 2025, reflecting continued annual growth and confirming its status as one of the fastest-expanding destinations globally.

Foreign currency tourism revenues also maintained a solid upward trend, reaching an estimated $3.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 24% year-on-year increase. This growth reflects not only higher visitor numbers but also an improvement in average spending per tourist, driven by stronger demand for premium accommodation, cultural experiences, and organized travel circuits.

Le Figaro describes Morocco as a “trusted and increasingly unavoidable destination” for international travelers, particularly in European markets, where it continues to benefit from proximity, accessibility, and diversified tourism offerings.

Post-AFCON 2025 momentum supports visibility and demand

A key turning point in Morocco’s recent tourism trajectory was the successful hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, completed in January 2025, significantly boosted the country’s international visibility and reinforced its capacity to organize large-scale sporting events.

The event generated increased hotel occupancy in major cities and accelerated short-term tourism flows, particularly in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier. More importantly, it contributed to a longer-term perception shift, positioning Morocco as a reliable host for global sports tourism.

Industry stakeholders note that the AFCON 2025 also had a spillover effect on bookings in the months following the tournament, as international audiences became more familiar with Morocco’s infrastructure and hospitality services.

Marrakech, Fès and emerging destinations sustain growth

Marrakech remains the country’s flagship tourism destination, with strong demand sustained throughout 2025 and into spring 2026. Hotel occupancy rates in peak periods have reached around 90%, according to industry sources cited by Le Figaro. The city continues to experience high visitor volumes, particularly in its historic medina and hospitality districts.

Fès has also maintained steady growth, supported by cultural tourism and increased European demand. Its positioning as a heritage destination has strengthened its appeal among long-haul and regional travelers.

Meanwhile, Ouarzazate has shown notable recovery, with overnight stays increasing by approximately 35% in early 2025, supported by improved air connectivity and ongoing upgrades in accommodation infrastructure. These developments are part of a broader national effort to diversify tourism beyond traditional coastal and imperial cities.

Air connectivity and European demand remain key drivers

Air transport continues to be a central pillar of Morocco’s tourism expansion. Airlines operating routes between Europe and Morocco report sustained growth in bookings, particularly from France, Spain, and Belgium.

Carriers such as Transavia France operate around sixty weekly flights to Moroccan destinations, reflecting strong demand across both leisure and diaspora travel segments. Online travel platforms also report moderate but steady increases in reservations, with Morocco remaining among the top-performing destinations in North Africa.

Le Figaro highlights that Morocco is widely perceived in France as a “secure, well-organized destination offering a diversified tourism portfolio,” reinforcing its competitiveness in the European short-haul travel market.

Infrastructure investment reshaping long-term capacity

Morocco’s tourism growth is closely linked to a large-scale infrastructure modernization strategy. Authorities continue to expand airport capacity, upgrade railway systems, and develop hospitality infrastructure in preparation for future demand.

Airport expansion programs are designed to accommodate rising passenger flows and improve international access. At the same time, Morocco is advancing its high-speed rail network, with long-term plans to connect up to 43 cities by 2040, potentially covering nearly 87% of the population. This project is expected to significantly enhance domestic mobility and redistribute tourism flows across regions.

World Cup 2030 preparation and strategic positioning

Following the successful execution of AFCON 2025, Morocco is now focusing on preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Le Figaro emphasizes that this event represents a structural opportunity rather than a short-term boost, accelerating long-term investments in transport, tourism infrastructure, and urban development.

The combination of sporting visibility and infrastructure modernization is reinforcing Morocco’s ambition to position itself as a key hub between Europe and Africa, both as a tourism destination and a transit platform.

Outlook

As of 2026, Morocco’s tourism sector is characterized by sustained expansion, strong international demand, and continued infrastructure investment. The post-AFCON 2025 environment has reinforced the country’s visibility, while rising revenues and increasing connectivity confirm its upward trajectory.

With preparations underway for the 2030 World Cup and continued growth in European markets, Morocco is expected to maintain its positive momentum, consolidating its role as a major tourism and transport hub in the wider Euro-African region, as highlighted by Le Figaro.