DOHA, April 4 – Morocco recorded strong growth in its tourism sector in early 2026, defying global travel pressures linked to rising costs and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The country welcomed 4.3 million tourists in the first three months of the year, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to the tourism ministry. Growth accelerated in March, with arrivals rising 18% year-on-year.
Authorities attributed the performance to improved air connectivity, a broader mix of source markets, and continued investment in accommodation and entertainment infrastructure across the country.
Tourism revenue has also risen sharply. Data from Morocco’s foreign exchange regulator showed earnings reached 21.4 billion dirhams (approximately $2.3 billion) by the end of February, representing a 22.2% increase from a year earlier.
Morocco remains Africa’s top tourism destination, having attracted 19.8 million visitors in 2025. The country is now targeting 26 million tourists annually by 2030, supported in part by its role as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.
The latest figures highlight the resilience of Morocco’s tourism industry, even as global travel demand faces headwinds from rising airfares and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
