Morocco’s travel sector posted strong numbers to kick off 2026. Data from the country’s Exchange Office shows that tourism receipts reached approximately $2.1 billion during January and February — a 22.2% increase compared to the same period last year.
The growth is notable not just for its scale, but for what it signals about shifting travel patterns. More visitors are arriving, and they appear to be spending more while they’re here. Meanwhile, outbound travel spending by Moroccans held steady at around $510 million, dipping by just 1%. That left the country with a tourism trade surplus of roughly $1.6 billion, up nearly 32% year-over-year — meaning Morocco is consistently earning more from inbound tourism than its residents spend traveling abroad.
A Broader Economic Picture
The tourism data sits within a wider financial context worth noting. Remittances from Moroccans living abroad rose 4.2% to reach $1.85 billion over the same two months. These transfers play a significant role in local economies, particularly in cities and regions where tourism and family spending overlap during holiday seasons.
On the investment side, the landscape is mixed. Net foreign direct investment inflows fell 30.8% to $450 million, a dip that analysts will likely keep an eye on. However, Moroccan direct investment abroad moved in the opposite direction, jumping nearly 70% to approximately $150 million — a sign that Moroccan capital is increasingly looking outward.
What This Means for Travelers
For those considering a trip to Morocco, these figures reflect a destination that is steadily scaling up its tourism infrastructure. From Marrakech’s expanding hospitality scene to Rabat’s growing cultural offerings and the coastal appeal of Essaouira and Tangier, the country continues to develop without losing the character that draws visitors in the first place.
That said, rising demand makes early planning more important than ever — whether it’s booking a riad, securing a guided experience, or exploring lesser-known destinations beyond the usual circuits.
Morocco’s tourism sector is on solid footing heading into 2026, and the early data suggests the momentum is far from slowing down.
Source: oc.gov.ma
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