Casablanca – Morocco’s tourism sector maintained its upward trajectory during the first half of 2026, with international visitor arrivals approaching 9.4 million by the end of June, reflecting continued demand across major source markets and supporting further growth in tourism revenue and accommodation activity.

According to the Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts (DEPF), approximately 9.4 million travelers entered Morocco through the country’s border crossings during the first six months of 2026. The figure represents a 6% increase compared with the same period in 2025, extending the sector’s expansion after record tourism performance in recent years.

The latest data indicate that Morocco continues to benefit from diversified visitor markets across Europe and North America. Growth was recorded among several of the country’s largest tourism source markets, helping to sustain steady increases in international arrivals despite evolving global travel conditions.

Among the main markets, arrivals from France increased by 9% year-on-year, while visitors from Germany rose by 14%. Belgium registered a 9% increase, the Netherlands recorded growth of 10%, and arrivals from Italy expanded by 6%.

One of the strongest performances came from Poland, where visitor arrivals surged by 32% compared with the previous year. The United Kingdom also continued to contribute to Morocco’s tourism growth with a 4% increase in arrivals, while visitors from the United States rose by 9%.

The diversity of these source markets illustrates Morocco’s broad tourism appeal, supported by improved international air connectivity, expanded tourism promotion campaigns, and increasing interest in the country’s cultural, coastal, mountain, and desert destinations.

The tourism sector also continued to contribute positively to Morocco’s broader economic activity. According to the Directorate of Financial Studies and Forecasts, tourism value added increased by 8.1% during the first quarter of 2026 after recording growth of 8.7% during the same period a year earlier.

The agency noted that the sector’s principal indicators continue to point toward positive momentum during the coming months, reflecting sustained demand from international travelers as well as continued investment in tourism infrastructure and services.

Accommodation statistics also showed continued expansion. Overnight stays at classified tourist accommodation establishments increased by 9% by the end of May 2026 compared with the same period of the previous year. Although this growth remained below the 12.4% increase recorded one year earlier, it nevertheless indicates that hotels and other classified accommodation facilities continued to receive growing numbers of guests across the country.

Performance varied among Morocco’s major tourism destinations, with several cities recording double-digit growth in overnight stays.

Ouarzazate posted the strongest increase, with overnight stays rising by 24%, reflecting continued interest in the southern destination known for its desert tourism and film industry.

Rabat followed with an 18% increase, while Agadir recorded growth of 13% and Casablanca posted a 12% rise in overnight stays. Marrakech, Morocco’s largest tourism destination, registered a 10% increase, maintaining its position among the country’s leading attractions for international visitors.

Additional growth was recorded across other destinations. Tangier reported an 8% increase in overnight stays, Errachidia also grew by 8%, Fez recorded a 7% rise, Essaouira expanded by 6%, and Al Haouz registered growth of 4%.

The broad geographical distribution of tourism activity suggests that visitor demand continues to extend beyond Morocco’s traditional destinations, benefiting a wider range of regional tourism economies.

Financial indicators also reflected the sector’s positive performance. Tourism receipts reached approximately $5.55 billion by the end of May 2026, representing a 14.6% increase compared with the same period in 2025.

The rise in tourism revenue outpaced the increase in visitor arrivals, indicating higher average visitor spending and longer stays by many international travelers. Tourism remains one of Morocco’s principal sources of foreign currency earnings and continues to play an important role in supporting the country’s balance of payments.

The latest figures come as Morocco continues implementing a broader strategy aimed at expanding tourism capacity ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. Government authorities have announced plans to increase national accommodation capacity by approximately 60,000 additional beds over the coming years while encouraging new investments in hotels and alternative lodging.

Large-scale investments in airports, transport infrastructure, hospitality facilities, and urban development are also expected to support tourism growth over the medium term. Several airport expansion projects are underway to accommodate increasing passenger traffic, while improvements to road and rail networks are intended to facilitate access to major tourism destinations.

Industry officials have also focused on diversifying tourism products by promoting cultural tourism, ecotourism, sports tourism, business travel, and luxury hospitality alongside Morocco’s traditional beach and city destinations.

The continued growth in arrivals from European markets remains particularly significant, given the continent’s importance as Morocco’s largest source of international visitors. At the same time, expanding arrivals from North America and emerging European markets such as Poland demonstrate the country’s efforts to diversify its visitor base and reduce dependence on a limited number of markets.

Tourism has become one of Morocco’s most dynamic economic sectors in recent years, supported by expanding air links, increased private investment, and government initiatives designed to improve tourism services and infrastructure.

The latest performance indicators suggest that Morocco entered the second half of 2026 with positive momentum across the sector. Rising visitor numbers, continued growth in overnight stays, expanding tourism revenue, and improving performance across multiple destinations indicate that the industry remains on a stable growth path as the country prepares for higher international demand in the years leading up to 2030.