Tourism: No “respite” in Marrakech

Hoteliers and restaurant owners usually take time off during Ramadan. They take advantage of the break offered during this month to renovate their establishments or carry out extension work on their units. It was well known that Marrakech experienced a marked seasonal decline during the holy month. This year, that is no longer the case.

First, tourism in the ochre city is no longer seasonal. And then this year, the start of Ramadan coincided with the first French school holidays (February/March). “The success of Marrakech over the last three years is creating a positive ripple effect for 2026 and for the month of February” , comments a local hotelier. For 2026, the destination is certain to break more records, thanks to strong growth in air capacity, according to the most optimistic forecasts.
In the face of the crisis in the Middle East, the city could even attract more tourists and maintain the upward trend. The destination started the year on a positive note in January, according to airport statistics. This is not surprising, as the 2025 African Cup of Nations had an impact, even if it was modest. Reservations for the peak season in April are promising, according to a tour operator. The entertainment calendar is full for April, May, and June, and no cancellations have been announced.
The dynamic growth that Marrakech has experienced since 2022 has been driven by the French, British, and Spanish markets, which have seen a doubling of air services connecting the city to European markets. According to professionals, France, the leading source of tourists to Morocco, is showing remarkable resilience, with Marrakech remaining the favorite destination for French tourists. Tourism professionals are also banking on growth in the American market thanks to flight schedules operated by United Airlines and Delta Air Lines.
Operators emphasize the added value of this market, whose tourists spend much more than those from traditional markets. Morocco aims to attract 26 million tourists, and Marrakech remains at the heart of this challenge. It should be noted that the destination is among the must-see places for 2026 according to Tripadvisor. The ochre city is ranked 7th in the “Must-See Destinations – World” ranking.
As a reminder, Marrakech performed well in 2025 and maintains its leading position in Morocco, attracting 31% of domestic overnight stays. In numerical terms, the city received 4.86 million tourist arrivals, generating 13.6 million overnight stays in classified establishments. This represents a 3% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Tourism Observatory. The average occupancy rate for the tourist city reached 73%, an improvement of 2 points compared to the same period in 2024.
Badra BERRISSOULE