Morocco’s tourism sector is maintaining strong momentum in 2026, with early-year figures pointing to sustained growth despite global travel headwinds linked to rising costs and geopolitical tensions.
The North African country welcomed 4.3 million tourists between January and March, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period last year, the tourism ministry said on Friday. The growth comes even as tensions in the Gulf region continue to weigh on international air traffic and push up travel expenses worldwide.
A particularly sharp surge was recorded in March, when arrivals jumped by 18%, underscoring the sector’s resilience and ongoing recovery. In a statement, the ministry said the uptick was driven by stronger air links, broader source markets, and enhanced accommodation and entertainment options across the country.
Financial performance has also improved significantly. Data from the foreign exchange regulator shows tourism revenue reached 21.4 billion dirhams ($2.3 billion) by the end of February, representing a 22.2% year-on-year increase. The rise highlights the sector’s growing contribution to Morocco’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism as a key source of foreign income.
Morocco’s continued growth builds on a record-breaking 2025, when it became Africa’s most visited destination with 19.8 million tourists. Authorities are now aiming even higher, targeting 26 million visitors annually by 2030.
That goal is closely tied to the country’s preparations to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal, an event expected to further boost global visibility and drive investment in tourism infrastructure.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah