Tourism

Arrivals rose 6% through June while tourism receipts climbed 15.9%, with Polish arrivals up 32% and hotel nights recording double-digit growth in Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca, Tangier, Ouarzazate and Rabat.

Tourism activity in Fez is gradually picking up as temperatures ease, with visitors returning to the medina’s historic sites and souks. Tourism professionals are hoping cooler weather in September will encourage more travelers to extend their stays and boost business for hotels, riads, restaurants, shops and tour guides.

Martil, M’diq and Fnideq are still drawing holidaymakers as the season stretches towards September, with visitors mixing days on the beach with busy evenings, local food and trips across the north.

From the High Atlas valleys to the forests and mountain villages of the Rif, rural tourism is emerging as the next frontier of Morocco’s tourism growth.

As August holidays wind down, Agadir, Dakhla and northern Morocco are emerging as popular choices for Moroccans planning domestic getaways in September, when milder weather and lower accommodation prices make several destinations more accessible.

While many holidaymakers choose the beaches for their summer break, others head to the High Atlas mountains in search of milder weather, nature and an experience different from the usual summer holiday.

Riads are becoming an increasingly popular accommodation option in Marrakech, attracting both Moroccan and international visitors with their intimate settings, traditional architecture and connection to the city’s cultural heritage. More than a place to stay, these restored homes offer travelers a different way to experience the medina and its traditions.

More and more Moroccans are postponing their annual vacations until September to avoid the crowds that typically overwhelm popular seaside destinations during the peak summer months. With milder tourist traffic, lower accommodation costs and warm weather still prevailing across much of the country, what industry professionals call “late tourism” is becoming an increasingly attractive option.

Royal Air Maroc expanded its fleet by 19.3% over the past year, the fastest growth among Africa’s five largest carriers, while Ethiopian Airlines remains far ahead with 163 aircraft. The expansion comes as African airlines prepare for rising passenger demand and a more competitive continental aviation market.