The Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy announced plans to carry out nearly 2,000 undercover inspections of hotels across Morocco in 2026 to assess service quality under the country’s new hotel classification system.
The ministry said during its 2026 budget presentation before the House of Representatives’ production sectors committee on Monday that the initiative forms part of a broader effort to enhance tourism standards and promote innovation.
It will also continue financial and technical support programs in sectors such as digital technology, gaming, and culinary arts, with 360 new projects planned across Morocco’s main tourist circuits, namely including Fez, Tangier, Tetouan, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Essaouira, representing an investment of more than 300 million dirhams.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the plan also includes the promotion of 16 villages through cultural heritage tourism projects and the creation of 289 income-generating initiatives in local hospitality and food services for rural communities. The ministry will also equip public spaces with tourism infrastructure, such as rest areas, panoramic viewpoints, and artistic installations.
As part of its efforts to enhance Morocco’s attractiveness as a destination, the ministry aims to support more than 30 projects focused on improving destination appeal, with 10 major projects expected to be completed by the end of 2026. These include a tourist train, new signage systems, eco-tourism routes, and the revitalization of sites in Ouarzazate and Tinghir.
Ammor noted that the ministry will continue providing technical and financial assistance for the development of cultural and nature-based tourism, including 20 new eco-lodging projects in areas such as the Ifrane National Park. The government’s “Go Siyaha” program, launched to modernize the sector, is on track to support 1,700 tourism enterprises between 2023 and 2026.
In southern Morocco, the ministry is also implementing a support mechanism for closed or deteriorating hotels in Ouarzazate and Zagora. Ammor said that over 90 non-classified lodging units have already undergone on-site assessments, with ongoing efforts to help them achieve classification and compliance standards. The ministry plans to expand this model to other regions.
To attract more private investment, the ministry pledged to step up promotional efforts for flagship tourism projects and accelerate the implementation of initiatives outlined in the 2023–2026 Tourism Roadmap. It will also produce new digital content to highlight investment opportunities across the country.
Finally, Ammor emphasized the importance of analyzing regional tourism performance to identify priority development areas, inventory natural and cultural assets, and coordinate with local authorities to craft region-specific tourism development plans that align with each area’s cultural and environmental identity.
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