Morocco’s tourism industry is betting on the “Stay Cashless” program as a strategic lever to sustain record growth in visitor numbers and foreign currency earnings, but professionals say the field rollout still faces practical and financial barriers that could limit impact if not addressed.
Industry voices cited by Hespress say the initiative can raise Morocco’s competitiveness by simplifying payments for international visitors through secure, globally accepted digital options. They argue it also matches how many tourists now travel, expecting to pay by card or phone as a default part of the experience.
The push comes after Morocco posted record tourism receipts of 138 billion dirhams in 2025 and welcomed around 20 million visitors, according to figures referenced in the report. The program offers tools such as pay by link, tap on phone and dynamic currency conversion.
Marouane Chouyoukh, a tourism professional in the Marrakech Safi region, said digitalization can open new markets but depends on strong infrastructure. He described the initiative as a major step that could benefit the sector, while stressing that success requires extending cashless options across the full tourism chain, including tourist transport, guides and small service providers.
He said technical limits remain, especially internet coverage in remote or difficult geographic areas, which can prevent businesses from adopting digital payment solutions even when demand exists.
Soufiane Bchar, head of the regional hotel industry association in Drâa Tafilalet and a member of the national federation office, said the program responds to a core need in modern travel: fast and secure payment. He said wider adoption would simplify the visitor experience and strengthen Morocco’s offer.
Bchar said smaller and medium sized tourism businesses face obstacles, including high equipment costs, heavy financial guarantees required by electronic payment providers and elevated commissions. He said the program’s credibility will depend on simpler access conditions, lower fees and tailored solutions for smaller operators, alongside training and on the ground support.
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