DR ‹ › Morocco's tourism sector maintained its upward momentum at the start of 2026, with over 1.3 million arrivals recorded in January, marking a 3% increase, according to the Directorate of Studies and Financial Forecasts (DEPF). This growth was driven by strong performances across several markets, particularly France (+14%), Poland (+40%), Italy (+6%), the United States (+15%), Belgium (+5%), and Canada (+10%), the DEPF noted in its latest economic report. The increase was even more pronounced in overnight stays in classified accommodation establishments, which rose by 12% by the end of January 2026. This performance was supported by the hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, as well as the continued appeal of destinations across the country. Overnight stays notably increased in Casablanca (+36%), Rabat (+42%), Tangier (+31%), Ouarzazate (+35%), Errachidia (+29%), Agadir (+11%), Marrakech (+7%), Fez (+10%), and Essaouira (+7%). Travel revenues also saw a sharp rise, increasing by 19.3% in January 2026 to reach 11.7 billion dirhams, compared to 9.8 billion a year earlier, according to the same source. Air transport also recorded solid growth, with national airports handling more than 3.1 million passengers in January 2026, up 14.7%. This was driven by both international (+14.9%) and domestic (+13.1%) traffic. By region, the increase was supported by strong traffic with Africa (+28.9%), the Americas (+30.7%), the Middle and Far East (+15.9%), Maghreb countries (+13.7%), and Europe (+13.2%). Air freight traffic also grew by 7.4% during the same period. In terms of maritime transport, commercial traffic handled at national ports rose by 8.9% in 2025, reaching 262.6 million tons, following a 15.2% increase the previous year. This growth was driven by a 14.7% rise in transshipment traffic, along with increases in imports (+2.8%), exports (+1.4%), and coastal shipping (+24.3%). Passenger traffic at ports reached nearly 5.6 million travelers in 2025, up 5.4%, while cruise activity surged by 41.7%, with 383,231 passengers recorded.
