At the dawn of 2026, Morocco’s tourism sector is once again demonstrating its resilience and growing appeal on the global stage. The country welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors in January alone, marking a 3% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the Direction des études et des prévisions financières.
Behind these figures lies a broader story of renewed confidence and sustained international interest. Key European markets continue to fuel this momentum, with arrivals from France rising by 14% and an impressive surge of 40% from Poland. Across the Atlantic, American tourists showed a strong return with a 15% increase, while Canada, Italy, and Belgium also contributed to the upward trend.
Yet, beyond arrivals, it is the rhythm of overnight stays that truly captures the sector’s vitality. Classified accommodation establishments recorded a notable 12% rise in nights spent by visitors at the end of January. This surge was partly driven by the excitement surrounding the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations 2025, which Morocco hosted from late December 2025 to mid-January 2026. The tournament not only filled hotels but also showcased the country’s cultural richness and hospitality to a continental and global audience.
Across Morocco, cities pulsed with renewed energy. Rabat and Casablanca emerged as standout performers, with sharp increases in overnight stays, while Tangier reinforced its growing reputation as a northern gateway blending modernity with heritage. Further south, destinations like Ouarzazate and Errachidia benefited from rising interest in desert tourism, while Marrakech and Agadir continued to attract travelers seeking a mix of tradition, leisure, and sunshine.
Financially, the sector’s performance mirrored this positive trajectory. Tourism revenues reached 11.7 billion dirhams in January, a striking 19.3% increase year-on-year. This suggests not only higher visitor numbers but also stronger spending patterns, reflecting a gradual shift toward higher-value tourism.
Air transport played a crucial role in supporting this growth. Moroccan airports handled over 3.1 million passengers during the month, up 14.7%, with both international and domestic traffic contributing to the expansion. Particularly notable were the sharp increases in connections with Africa and the Americas, signaling Morocco’s expanding reach beyond its traditional European base.
Meanwhile, maritime activity added another layer to this evolving landscape. Commercial port traffic remained robust, while passenger flows and cruise tourism experienced a significant rebound. The cruise segment, in particular, surged by over 40% in 2025, pointing to renewed confidence among international operators and travelers alike.
Taken together, these developments paint the portrait of a destination in motion—one that continues to diversify its markets, enhance its infrastructure, and strengthen its global positioning. As 2026 unfolds, Morocco appears well on track to consolidate its status as a leading tourism hub at the crossroads of
continents.
