DR ‹ › Spending in Morocco rose sharply during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, with outlays made using Visa Premium cards increasing by 40% year-on-year, driven by higher travel and everyday consumption expenses, according to the latest analysis by Visa. Based on data from the Visa Consulting & Analytics Retail Spend Monitor, the report highlights a similar 40% increase in spending by international visitors using Premium cards in Morocco, with transactions from France, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland surging by 50%. Consumer behavior reflected typical Ramadan patterns, combining pre-month stockpiling and in-month shopping activity. In the week preceding Ramadan (February 11–17), spending on food and groceries rose by 10% compared to the previous week. During Ramadan, retail (25%) and food and dining (35%) accounted for the bulk of in-store spending. Evening transactions also intensified, with post-iftar spending (10 p.m. to midnight) increasing by 20% compared to non-Ramadan periods. Spending peaked around Eid al-Fitr, with total expenditures rising by 5% between March 19 and 22 compared to the preceding days. During this period, spending on food and fast food increased by 15%, while retail and clothing purchases rose by 20%. Commenting on these trends, Sami Romdhane, Country Manager at Visa, said the Ramadan and Eid period was marked by «a rise in spending in travel and everyday consumer goods», reflecting both the influx of foreign visitors and strong domestic demand. Nicolas Khoury, SVP and Head of Visa Consulting & Analytics for CEMEA, added that the data provides insight into evolving consumer behavior, from travel habits to daily spending patterns, helping businesses adapt their offerings to seasonal demand.
