Tourism slows in Marrakech this August amid price concerns

Tourist activity in Marrakech has dipped noticeably this August, with rising costs cited as a key factor behind the slowdown, according to residents, tour operators and online observers.

Both foreign tourists and Moroccans living abroad appear to be skipping the red city this summer, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

Many members of the Moroccan diaspora, who typically return home during the summer holidays, have reportedly opted out of visiting Marrakech this year due to the steep cost of lodging, food and leisure activities.

The trend also appears to extend to foreign visitors, particularly from France and Spain, historically two of the city’s biggest tourist markets.

Still, many locals are pushing back against the perception that tourism is slowing down. Business owners, hospitality workers and residents insist the city is bustling as usual and argue that negative reports are exaggerated and damaging.

“Honestly, every time I go out, I can’t find anywhere to park. The swimming pools are packed, hotels are full, people are crowding in day and night — God bless,” one Marrakech resident wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “The roads are under construction, and the whole city is being renovated, but it’s still packed. I live here and can barely go out, too many people. Despite the heat, tourists are everywhere. You can tell just from the airport.”

Some users claim the narrative of a tourism downturn is being fueled by hostile online campaigns aimed at harming Marrakech’s image as a top destination.

“The Algerians are working 24/7 on one mission: to sabotage Morocco using every means available. Sadly, some traitors from inside are helping them,” one user alleged on X.

Despite such pushback, signs of stagnation have emerged in certain areas.

Abdelouafi Mansouri, a tour guide at a desert camp in Agafay, told Hespress English that August has seen slower-than-expected activity.

He noted a drop in bookings, particularly among French and Spanish tourists, but said he remains optimistic that business will rebound in September and October, typically peak months for international tourism in Marrakech.

Mansouri also pointed to inflation and rising living costs abroad as a possible deterrent for some travelers. “Financial pressures in Europe may be making travel less of a priority,” he said.

Rachid Amerhan, head of the tourist guides association in Imlil, said July and August are generally slower months for tourism in Marrakech, with travel usually picking up again in the fall when temperatures drop.

However, Amerhan noted a sharper-than-usual drop in domestic tourism this summer, saying fewer Moroccans are vacationing in Marrakech compared to previous years.

“I really don’t know why Moroccans stopped coming like they used to,” he said. “Maybe it’s the prices, maybe it’s something else, but we’re definitely seeing a change.”