Morocco tourism revenue rises 13.4% to MAD 79 billion through July

Morocco tourism revenue rises 13.4% to MAD 79 billion through July
Tuesday 1 September 2026 - 22:15

Morocco’s tourism revenues reached 79.01 billion dirhams ($8.6 billion) through July, up 13.4% from the same period a year earlier, as the number of international visitors and overnight stays continued to increase, according to the Office des Changes.

Travel receipts remained one of Morocco’s main sources of foreign-currency earnings during the first seven months of 2026.

Travel spending by Moroccans abroad also increased, rising 7.3% to 19.92 billion dirhams through July. As a result, the country’s travel-services surplus reached 59.08 billion dirhams, an increase of 15.7% from a year earlier.

Visitor numbers continue to rise

Morocco received nearly 9.4 million visitors during the first half of 2026, up 6% from the same period in 2025, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts, or DEPF.

Several key European markets recorded increases. Arrivals from France rose 9%, while those from Germany increased 14%. Arrivals from Belgium and the Netherlands grew 9% and 10%, respectively.

Other markets also posted gains. Arrivals from Italy increased 6%, while Poland recorded a 32% increase. The British market grew 4%, and arrivals from the United States increased 9%.

The sharp increase from Poland points to the growing importance of emerging source markets as Morocco seeks to diversify its tourism base beyond traditional European markets.

Overnight stays rise across major destinations

The increase in arrivals was accompanied by higher overnight stays at classified tourist accommodation establishments.

Overnight stays rose 9% through June, following a 12% increase during the same period a year earlier, according to DEPF data.

Ouarzazate recorded the strongest increase among the destinations cited, with overnight stays rising 23%. Rabat followed with a 20% increase.

Overnight stays rose 11% in both Agadir and Casablanca, while Marrakech and Tangier each recorded 10% growth.

Errachidia posted a 9% increase, followed by Al Haouz at 7% and Fez and Essaouira at 6% each.

The figures indicate that tourism growth is extending beyond Morocco’s largest traditional tourist centers and coastal destinations.

Travel receipts accelerate in first half

Tourism revenues had already reached 64.9 billion dirhams through June, representing a 15.9% increase from the same period in 2025.

DEPF data showed strong growth during both quarters of the first half, with travel receipts increasing 23.5% in the first quarter and 21.2% in the second.

The 79.01 billion dirhams recorded through July therefore represents a continuation of the strong performance into the second half of the year.

Tourism revenues are particularly important to Morocco because they generate foreign currency and help support the country’s external accounts.

Tourism remains key source of foreign currency

The tourism sector’s performance comes as other major sources of foreign currency also increase.

Remittances from Moroccans living abroad rose 8.1% to 74.78 billion dirhams through July, according to the Office des Changes.

Net foreign direct investment flows rose 58.5% to 29.47 billion dirhams, while net Moroccan direct investment abroad reached 6.86 billion dirhams.

With nearly 79 billion dirhams in travel receipts during the first seven months of the year, tourism remains one of Morocco’s largest sources of foreign-currency earnings.

The 59.08 billion dirham travel surplus also underscores the sector’s contribution to the country’s external balance.

The continued growth in arrivals from established European markets, combined with stronger performance from markets such as Poland and the United States, suggests that Morocco’s tourism industry is broadening its international reach.

With visitor numbers, overnight stays and travel receipts all increasing in 2026, tourism is on track to remain a major contributor to Morocco’s foreign-currency earnings for the year.

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