Morocco’s tourism holds strong despite Iran conflict and global travel pressures

Morocco’s tourism sector is showing strong signs of resilience despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and continued pressure from high fuel prices on international travel.

According to Hespress Arabic, tourism professionals believe that current regional instability, including tensions involving Iran, is unlikely to significantly affect Morocco’s tourism performance.

The sector has already demonstrated its ability to absorb external shocks, supported by Morocco’s image as a stable destination, the diversification of its tourist markets, and the expansion of air connections with several European, Arab and African countries.

This resilience is reflected in recent figures. Morocco welcomed a record 19.8 million tourists in 2025, up 14% compared with 2024. Tourism revenues reached 124 billion dirhams in the first 11 months of the year, marking a 19% year-on-year increase. The positive trend continued in early 2026, with 4.3 million tourist arrivals recorded in the first quarter, up 7% compared with the same period in 2025.

The country is also aiming to reach 26 million tourists by 2030, a target linked to its broader tourism strategy and its role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

According to Morocco’s Tourism Ministry, this performance has been supported by stronger air connectivity, a broader range of source markets, and improvements in accommodation and entertainment offerings. Morocco is also strengthening its airport infrastructure ahead of the 2030 World Cup, with a national plan to increase airport passenger capacity from around 38 million to 80 million by 2030.

The African Development Bank said its €270 million loan will support the expansion and modernization of airport terminals and equipment in key tourist hubs, including Marrakech, Agadir, Tangier and Fez.

Morocco’s tourism resilience also stands out against ongoing global travel pressures, including geopolitical tensions, inflation in tourism services, and higher fuel costs. The conflict involving Iran has further disrupted air travel, forcing some airlines to reroute flights away from parts of the Middle East, increasing flight times and operating costs.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global passenger demand grew by only 2.1% in March 2026, partly as international traffic by Middle Eastern carriers dropped by nearly 61% during the same period.

However, professionals cited by Hespress say Morocco’s tourism demand remains strong, especially during peak travel periods and holidays, when many visitors continue to choose the country for its proximity to Europe, cultural diversity, and competitive tourism offering.