Tourism in Morocco is having the best run in its history. The country welcomed 19.8 million visitors in 2025 and, by the end of August 2026, it had already passed 14.1 million. Behind those records, however, sit some very practical questions. Is a trip getting more expensive? Which cities feel crowded? Where can you still travel without the queues? This guide answers them with official figures and with what we see on the road every week as a local tour operator.
We have also added clear advice for travellers from the UK, Ireland, the United States, Canada and Australia. That way, you can enjoy the boom without overpaying or losing half a day in a queue.
Quick answer: what is the state of tourism in Morocco in 2026?
Tourism in Morocco is at an all-time high. Between January and August 2026, the country received 14.1 million visitors, up 4.5% on 2025. Travel receipts are growing even faster, reaching 79 billion dirhams by the end of July, up 13.4%. The official goal is 26 million tourists a year by 2030.
The 30-second summary
- Morocco hosted 17.4 million visitors in 2024 and 19.8 million in 2025, a 14% rise.
- Tourism receipts hit a record 138 billion dirhams in 2025.
- August 2026 was the first month ever with more than 2 million arrivals.
- France is the largest source market, Spain the second, and the UK and US are both growing.
- Ouarzazate (+23%) and Rabat (+20%) posted the fastest growth in hotel nights in the first half of 2026.
- Tourism accounts for roughly 7% of Morocco’s GDP.
- Since 20 September 2026, Morocco runs on permanent GMT.
- The 2030 target is 26 million visitors, with the World Cup as the big showcase.
Morocco tourism: key facts at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many tourists visited Morocco in 2025? | 19.8 million (+14% on 2024) |
| How many arrived from January to August 2026? | 14.1 million (+4.5%) |
| How much did tourism earn in 2025? | 138 billion dirhams (+21%) |
| And up to July 2026? | 79.009 billion dirhams (+13.4%) |
| What is the largest source market? | France, followed by Spain |
| How big is tourism in the economy? | About 116.2 billion dirhams of GDP in 2024 (7.3%) |
| What is the 2030 target? | 26 million visitors |
Tourism in Morocco by the numbers
To understand the current moment, it helps to look back. In 2024, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million visitors and became Africa’s leading destination. A year later, it made another big leap. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 2025 closed with 19.8 million arrivals.
That growth has carried on into 2026. In fact, the first quarter alone brought in 4.3 million tourists, up 7%. By the end of May the total was 7.7 million and, by the end of June, 9.4 million.
2026: a new record almost every month
Still, the most striking figure came in summer. For the first time, August passed 2 million arrivals in a single month. As a result, the January to August total reached 14.1 million visitors. That is around 608,000 more people than in the same period of 2025.
That said, the pace has eased. Growth was 14% across 2025, while the first eight months of 2026 came in at about 4.5%. Even so, most months still set a new high. This is why people in the industry talk about consolidation rather than a slowdown.
| Period | Arrivals | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Full year 2024 | 17.4 million | Record at the time |
| Full year 2025 | 19.8 million | +14% |
| January–March 2026 | 4.3 million | +7% |
| January–May 2026 | 7.7 million | +7% |
| January–June 2026 | 9.4 million | +6% |
| January–August 2026 | 14.1 million | +4.5% |
Spending is growing faster than visitor numbers
This is the key point for travellers. In 2025, foreign-currency receipts from travel reached 138 billion dirhams, up 21% on the year before. In other words, spending rose much faster than arrivals.
The same thing is happening in 2026. According to Morocco’s Foreign Exchange Office, receipts reached 79.009 billion dirhams by the end of July, up 13.4%. Meanwhile, arrivals rose by only 4.5%. So each visitor is spending more than before. Longer stays and more upmarket hotels explain part of it. Higher prices in the busiest places explain the rest.
How much tourism matters to the economy
Tourism in Morocco is one of the country’s main economic engines. In 2024, it contributed about 116.2 billion dirhams to GDP, close to 7.3% of the total. It also provides direct jobs for hundreds of thousands of people, from guides and drivers to riad cooks, craftspeople and camel handlers.
There is one interesting nuance, though. In the first months of 2026, money sent home by Moroccans living abroad was larger than tourism receipts. Tourism is vital, therefore, but it is not the country’s only major source of foreign currency.
Why tourism in Morocco is growing so fast
The growth of tourism in Morocco is no accident. Several factors have come together in a short time and, together, they have changed how the world sees the country.
More flights and better airports
Air connectivity is the first driver. Between January and July 2026, Moroccan airports handled around 22 million passengers. In addition, Marrakech Menara was named the best regional airport in Africa at the Skytrax 2026 awards.
At the same time, Menara is being expanded. Works planned for 2026 to 2028 will lift its capacity from 7.4 million to about 16 million passengers a year. If you are about to book, read our guides to flights to Morocco and flights to Marrakech.
A national plan that beat its own targets
In 2023, the government launched its 2023–2026 tourism roadmap. It planned to invest 6.1 billion dirhams and reach 17.5 million tourists by 2026. However, that goal was beaten a full year early. You can read the plan on the Ministry of Tourism website and follow the data at the Moroccan Tourism Observatory.
Close to Europe, at the gateway to Africa
Morocco sits just 14 kilometres from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar. A flight from London takes about three hours, and many UK airports now have direct routes. This short distance keeps trips affordable and makes long weekends realistic. For the bigger picture, see our article on where Morocco is.
Major sporting events
The Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026, drew more than 1.3 million spectators. It also put Rabat, Tangier and Agadir on millions of screens. The next big showcase is the Morocco World Cup 2030, which the country co-hosts with Spain and Portugal.
Social media and cinema
Likewise, social media has done a lot for Morocco tourism. Photos of Chefchaouen, the Merzouga dunes and Marrakech riads are shared every day. Film adds even more pull. Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou have starred on the big screen for decades, as we explain in movies filmed in Morocco.
Tradition with modern comfort
Finally, the country blends centuries-old souks with European-standard services. You can sleep in an 18th-century riad and, the next morning, ride the Al Boraq high-speed train. That mix appeals to backpackers and luxury travellers alike.
Where Morocco’s visitors come from
Knowing the markets behind tourism in Morocco helps you predict when places will be busy. It also explains why you hear so much French and Spanish in the medinas.
France and Spain lead the way
France remains the largest source market, and Spain is second. More than 4 million Spaniards visited in 2024 and, by November 2025, the figure was already around 4.2 million. Put simply, almost one in five international visitors comes from Spain.
This has a practical effect for everyone else. French and Spanish school holidays, as well as Spanish long weekends, fill hotels and flights. For example, Easter, mid-October and early December are busy even outside the British peak seasons.
The fastest-growing markets in 2026
In the first half of 2026, almost every major market grew. Some, though, stood out clearly.
| Market | Growth (first half of 2026) |
|---|---|
| Poland | +32% |
| Germany | +14% |
| Netherlands | +10% |
| France | +9% |
| Belgium | +9% |
| United States | +9% |
| Italy | +6% |
| United Kingdom | +4% |
Travelling from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia
Entry is simple for most English-speaking travellers. British, Irish, American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for the length of your stay, and six months of validity is the safe rule. The UK government’s Morocco travel advice lists the current entry rules in detail.
From the UK, low-cost and full-service airlines fly direct to Marrakech, Agadir, Fes, Tangier and Casablanca. From North America, Royal Air Maroc flies non-stop to Casablanca from New York, Washington, Miami and Montreal. Australians usually connect through the Gulf or Europe. Many travellers also combine Spain and Morocco on one trip, and our Morocco tours from Spain are built for exactly that.
The Moroccan diaspora counts too
Official figures include Moroccans living abroad who come home to visit. This is why July and August look so strong, since many families return in summer. For foreign visitors, it means busier ports, airports and northern roads during those two months.
The fastest-growing destinations in 2026
Not all tourism in Morocco is about Marrakech. Hotel nights in the first half of 2026 reveal a more varied map. Overall they grew by 9%, but some cities moved much faster.
| Destination | Hotel nights (first half of 2026) | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Ouarzazate | +23% | Film studios, kasbahs and the gateway to the desert |
| Rabat | +20% | A calm capital and a Unesco city |
| Agadir | +11% | Beaches and sunshine almost all year |
| Casablanca | +11% | Hassan II Mosque and art deco streets |
| Marrakech | +10% | Medina, souks and palaces |
| Tangier | +10% | Northern gateway with a cosmopolitan feel |
| Errachidia | +9% | Access to Merzouga and Erg Chebbi |
| Al Haouz | +7% | High Atlas valleys and villages |
| Fes | +6% | One of the largest medieval medinas in the world |
| Essaouira | +6% | Wind, fishing port and Atlantic ramparts |
Ouarzazate and the south: the big jump
Ouarzazate leads the table. Above all, it is the base for visiting the ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a Unesco World Heritage site. It is also a natural stop on the road to the Sahara. Short on time? Then take our Ait Ben Haddou day trip from Marrakech.
Errachidia is also up 9%, driven by interest in the Merzouga dunes. Our 3 days desert tour from Errachidia uses the local airport to reach the dunes in just over two hours. To plan the desert properly, read our guide to the Sahara Desert in Morocco.
Rabat, the capital that surprises
Rabat is up 20% and is no longer just a stopover. Its medina is relaxed and the Kasbah of the Udayas looks straight out over the Atlantic. Moreover, the Mohammed VI Tower, about 250 metres tall, now dominates the Bou Regreg riverbank. Many visitors find Rabat the easiest city in the country to explore without pressure.
Marrakech is still the star
Marrakech grows by 10% on a very large base. It is the most visited city in the country and the starting point of most routes. To plan your stay, see our guide to Marrakech holidays and our Marrakech old town and new town guide. For a quieter cultural stop, the Dar el Bacha museum is well worth the visit.
The coast: Agadir, Essaouira and the north
Agadir is up 11% thanks to its mild winters. Essaouira, on the other hand, attracts people looking for a slower pace. You can visit it on our Essaouira full-day trip from Marrakech. If the sea is your priority, browse our selection of beaches in Morocco.
In the north, Tangier rises by 10%. From there it is easy to reach Chefchaouen, the blue city, or Asilah, with its murals facing the ocean.
Fes and the Atlas: steady growth
Fes grows by 6%, a healthy pace that avoids overcrowding. Its medina is a unique maze that you can still explore calmly. We cover it in our Fes, Morocco guide and in what to do in Fez.
Meanwhile, Al Haouz is up 7%. It was the province hardest hit by the 2023 earthquake, and its recovery depends partly on visitors. Spending time in its valleys is therefore a direct way to support local villages. You will find ideas in our guide to the Atlas Mountains.
Five trends shaping tourism in Morocco in 2026
Beyond the headline numbers, the way people travel is changing. These five trends explain where tourism in Morocco is heading and what they mean for your plans.
1. Longer and more upmarket stays
Receipts are growing three times faster than arrivals. Visitors are staying longer and choosing better hotels. New hotels support this shift. The Ritz-Carlton in Rabat is the brand’s first property in Morocco, and the historic Palais Jamaï in Fes returns in 2026 after renovation.
2. Travel beyond Marrakech
Marrakech still leads, yet Ouarzazate and Rabat are growing twice as fast. More travellers now build routes around the south, the Atlantic coast and the imperial cities. As a result, tourism in Morocco is slowly spreading to towns that used to see few visitors.
3. New source markets
Poland (+32%) and Germany (+14%) are the stars of 2026, while the US keeps growing steadily. New direct flights help explain this change. For you, it means more choice of routes and more competition on fares.
4. Events as a reason to travel
Big sporting events now shape the calendar. The Africa Cup of Nations filled stadiums in Rabat, Tangier and Agadir, and the 2030 World Cup will do the same on a larger scale. Expect tourism in Morocco to peak around match dates, with prices to match.
5. Faster, easier travel inside the country
The Al Boraq high-speed train, new airport terminals and better roads make it easier to see more in less time. Consequently, a week is now enough for a solid first trip, and two weeks let you cover most of the country.
What the record means for your trip
The numbers look great, but how do they affect you? Here are the real consequences of the boom in tourism in Morocco for anyone travelling in 2026 and 2027.
Prices are rising in the most popular places
As we saw, receipts are growing about three times faster than arrivals. In practice, medina riads in Marrakech, luxury desert camps in Merzouga and trendy restaurants have all raised their rates. By contrast, cities like Rabat, Meknes and Tetouan remain better value. To plan your budget, read our guide to the Moroccan dirham.
More people in the same places
However, analysts point to one clear problem: concentration. Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca and Tangier take a large share of all hotel nights. So Jemaa el Fna square or the Majorelle Garden can be packed by mid-morning. The fix is simple. Start early, see the big sights first and keep the afternoon for quieter neighbourhoods.
Booking early matters more than ever
With more than 2 million arrivals in August, the high season has stretched. As a result, the best places to stay sell out sooner. As a rule, book two to three months ahead for Easter, summer, Christmas and New Year. If you are coming in December, our guide to New Year in Morocco has plenty of ideas.
Timing makes all the difference
Spring and autumn are still the best seasons. The weather is pleasant almost everywhere, and there are fewer families than in summer. We explain it month by month in the best time to visit Morocco.
The tourism calendar in Morocco, month by month
This table shows how demand spreads across the year, based on our own experience running tours.
| Months | Crowds | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| January and February | Low, except the first days of January | Good prices; cold nights in the desert and the Atlas |
| March to May | High | Book early, especially around Easter |
| June | Medium | Hot inland; the coast is a great option |
| July and August | Very high | Diaspora returns home and the south gets very hot |
| September to November | High | Ideal weather; watch for European school holidays |
| December | High at Christmas | Desert camps sell out for New Year |
How much does a trip to Morocco cost in 2026?
Tourism in Morocco still offers good value, but your budget depends mostly on where you sleep and how you get around. Still, these rough figures per person per day will help you plan. They do not include international flights.
| Travel style | Daily budget per person | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | $45–70 (£35–55) | Hostel or simple riad, local food and public transport |
| Mid-range | $100–170 (£80–130) | Boutique riad, restaurants and some private transfers |
| Luxury | $290+ (£215+) | Five-star hotels, a private driver and exclusive experiences |
In practice, the desert is what pushes costs up, because it takes several days on the road. For that reason, sharing a private tour between two to four people cuts the cost per traveller a lot. Likewise, outside the peak seasons it is easy to find better rates in riads and camps.
New time zone: Morocco returns to GMT
One change affects every visitor. On the night of 19 to 20 September 2026, Morocco dropped the GMT+1 time it had used since 2018. The country now uses GMT all year, with no seasonal clock change.
What does that mean for you? First, it gets dark an hour earlier on the clock than last year. So start sightseeing earlier and do not leave mountain drives until late afternoon.
Second, Morocco is one hour behind the UK until late October and on the same time as London in winter. For the US East Coast, Morocco is four hours ahead until early November and five hours ahead after that. Check the live clock on our page what time is it in Morocco now.
Is tourism in Morocco safe right now?
Yes, for the vast majority of visitors. In early September 2026, the US State Department reissued its Morocco advisory at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution”. That is the same level it gives France and Spain. The UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any major tourist area either.
Most problems are minor: pushy touts, taxi overcharging and pickpockets in crowded souks. We break down every official warning in Morocco travel warnings, and give practical safety advice in is Morocco safe.
Tourism in Morocco: practical tips for 2026
These are the tips we repeat most often to our own travellers. They are simple, but they save money, time and misunderstandings.
1. Passport and entry
Carry a passport valid for your whole stay, ideally with six months left. Most English-speaking nationalities get 90 days on arrival, free of charge. Also keep a digital copy of your passport on your phone, just in case.
2. Money and payments
The currency is the Moroccan dirham, and you cannot take large amounts out of the country. In September 2026, one dollar buys about 9.5 dirhams and one euro about 11. Cards work in hotels and bigger shops, but souks and taxis are cash only. Keep small notes for tips and small purchases.
3. Mobile data
A local SIM card is cheap and avoids roaming shocks on your phone bill. It also makes maps far easier to use in the medina. We explain how to get one in our guide to the SIM card in Morocco.
4. Dress and cultural respect
Morocco is a Muslim country that is very open to visitors. Even so, covering shoulders and knees makes medinas and villages more comfortable to explore. See our guide on what to wear in Morocco and, for background, our article on religion in Morocco.
5. Language
On the street you will hear Darija Arabic, Amazigh and French. English is now common among younger people and in hotels, and almost every official guide speaks it. A simple “salam alaikum” still opens many doors. Find out more in the language spoken in Morocco.
6. Getting around
The Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier and Casablanca in about two hours and ten minutes. From Casablanca, Al Atlas trains continue to Marrakech and Fes. You can check timetables on the ONCF website. For the south and the desert, however, a private vehicle with a driver is far more comfortable.
7. Water and food
Tap water is treated in the cities, but bottled water is the safer choice for visitors. Morocco is also going through a long drought, so please use water carefully in riads and camps. As for food, try tagine, Friday couscous and harira soup. Our guide to traditional Moroccan dishes will help you order with confidence.
8. Official guides and haggling
First of all, hire official guides, who carry a visible badge. That way you avoid the fake guides who hang around the medinas. In the souks, haggling is part of the culture. Start at around half the asking price and negotiate with a smile.
9. Responsible travel
Water and land are limited resources, as the industry’s own analysts admit. That is why we suggest staying in locally owned places, buying crafts directly from cooperatives and spreading your trip across lesser-known towns. In this way, your money reaches more families.
Top tourist places in Morocco you should not miss
If this is your first taste of tourism in Morocco, these are the essentials. For the full overview, read our guides to cities in Morocco and to Morocco as a country.
- Marrakech: Jemaa el Fna, the souks, Bahia Palace and the gardens. Do not miss its restaurants or a Moroccan hammam.
- Fes: the Fes el Bali medina, the tanneries and the Bou Inania madrasa.
- Merzouga: the Erg Chebbi dunes and a night in a camp under the stars.
- Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate: mud-brick kasbahs and film studios.
- Dades Valley and Todra Gorge: mountain scenery and palm groves.
- Chefchaouen: blue streets in the Rif Mountains.
- Casablanca and Rabat: the Hassan II Mosque and the capital on the Atlantic.
- Essaouira and Agadir: coastline, fresh fish and surfing.
Types of tourism in Morocco
Morocco is not one trip but many. Today, tourism in Morocco goes well beyond Marrakech and the desert. Mountains, beaches and cultural routes through lesser-known cities are all growing. This table sums up the main types of travel and where to enjoy them.
| Type of tourism | Where | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Culture and history | Fes, Meknes, Marrakech, Rabat | History and architecture lovers |
| Desert | Merzouga, Zagora, Erg Chigaga | Travellers seeking silence and adventure |
| Mountains and hiking | Imlil, Toubkal, Ourika Valley | Hikers and active families |
| Beach and sun | Agadir, Essaouira, Asilah | Relaxing and water sports |
| Food | Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira | Travellers who plan around meals |
| Luxury | Marrakech, Rabat, Merzouga camps | Couples and honeymooners |
| Film | Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou | Film fans and photographers |
| Amazigh culture | Atlas, southern valleys | Anyone curious about rural life |
If rural life appeals to you, read our guide to Berber Morocco. And if you want a touch of luxury, our Morocco Highlights Tour includes upscale options.
Organised tour or independent travel?
With Morocco tourism at record levels, this question matters more than ever. Both options have real advantages.
Travelling independently
Going it alone works well between the big cities. After all, trains are comfortable and riads are easy to book online. The south is a different story, though. Distances are long, mountain roads demand experience and public transport is slow.
Travelling on a private tour
A private tour gives you a driver, a flexible route and accommodation booked in advance. In peak season, it also stops you from missing out on the best desert camps. We compare both formats in private vs group tours in Morocco. You can also browse our excursions in Morocco.
Choose a route by your arrival city
Pick your route based on where your flight lands:
- For the desert, the most popular choice is our tours from Marrakech.
- If you arrive on a long-haul flight, our tours from Casablanca fit best.
- The shortest road to Merzouga starts in Fes, so see our tours from Fes.
- Coming over by ferry from Spain? Then start with our tours from Tangier.
- And if you want a short desert escape, try our private Sahara desert tour from Marrakech.
With ten days, our 10-day Morocco itinerary covers most of the country. With one week, see our 7 days in Morocco itinerary.
Looking ahead to 2030: the future of tourism in Morocco
The official target is 26 million visitors by 2030. To get there, the country needs to grow by about 5.6% a year. In 2026, the pace is around 4.5%, so the next few million will be harder to win.
Airports, trains and roads
That is why Morocco is investing on a large scale. Its airport programme is worth about 38 billion dirhams and aims for 80 million passengers of capacity by 2030. In addition, the high-speed line from Kenitra to Marrakech was 30% complete in May 2026 and should open in 2029. Once it runs, getting from Tangier to Marrakech by train will be much faster.
The 2030 World Cup as a showcase
The World Cup that Morocco co-hosts with Spain and Portugal will bring fans from every continent. Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fes, Tangier and Agadir are all preparing. For travellers, this means more flights and better infrastructure, but also high prices during the tournament.
The challenges ahead
Analysts highlight five challenges: water, available land, mobility, service quality and concentration in a few cities. In our view, the biggest task is spreading visitors more evenly. That is why we encourage travellers to discover Rabat, Meknes, Tetouan and the Atlas valleys. You will find more inspiration on the official Visit Morocco website.
Frequently asked questions about tourism in Morocco
How many tourists visit Morocco each year?
Morocco received 19.8 million tourists in 2025, its all-time record. Between January and August 2026, 14.1 million arrived, up 4.5% on the same period a year earlier.
Is Morocco the most visited country in Africa?
Yes. In 2024, Morocco became Africa’s leading tourist destination with 17.4 million visitors, and in 2025 it broke its own record again.
Which countries send the most tourists to Morocco?
France is the largest source market and Spain is second. Other important markets include the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United States.
What is the most visited city in Morocco?
Marrakech is the most visited city. In 2026, however, hotel nights grew fastest in Ouarzazate (+23%) and Rabat (+20%).
How much money does tourism bring to Morocco?
Tourism earned 138 billion dirhams in foreign currency in 2025. By the end of July 2026, receipts had reached 79 billion dirhams, up 13.4%.
What is the best time for tourism in Morocco?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times. The weather is mild and there are fewer crowds than in summer.
Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?
Not if you hold a British, Irish, US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport. These travellers can stay up to 90 days without a visa. Other nationalities should check with a Moroccan consulate before booking.
Is Morocco expensive for tourists?
Morocco is still affordable for most visitors from Europe and North America. However, prices at the most popular riads and desert camps have risen, because tourist spending is growing faster than visitor numbers.
What are the best tips for tourism in Morocco?
Book early in peak season, carry cash in dirhams, dress respectfully, hire official guides and start sightseeing early. Also mix famous places with quieter towns to avoid the crowds.
Key takeaways
- Tourism in Morocco is at a record high: 19.8 million visitors in 2025 and 14.1 million by August 2026.
- Spending is growing faster than arrivals, so the most popular places cost a little more.
- France and Spain lead, while the US (+9%) and UK (+4%) keep growing.
- Ouarzazate, Rabat and Agadir are the fastest-growing destinations.
- Since 20 September 2026, Morocco uses GMT all year, so it gets dark earlier.
- Booking early and travelling in spring or autumn are the smartest moves.
- The target is 26 million tourists by 2030, with the World Cup as a major boost.
Experience tourism in Morocco with Favorites Morocco Tours
Tourism in Morocco keeps growing, yet you can still travel without rushing, queuing or missing the authentic side. The secret lies in choosing the right dates, places to stay and route. At Favorites Morocco Tours, we design private tailor-made trips from Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Tangier and Errachidia.
Start on our home page, find out who we are, or contact us to plan your route. We will reply in English with a plan built around you.