The numbers
| Indicator | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Arrivals in 2025 | 19.8 million | Ministry of Tourism, January 2026 |
| Arrivals in 2024 | about 17.4 million | Ministry of Tourism |
| Tourism receipts, January–November 2025 | 124 billion dirhams (up 19%) | Reported by Ecofin Agency |
Arrival figures include Moroccans living abroad who return to visit, a large share of summer travellers. Even so, the growth is visible on the ground: queues at the most famous sights, fuller riads in spring and autumn, and busier trains on weekends.
What it means in practice
- Popular sights fill up. Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech now sells timed tickets online that can sell out days in advance in high season. The Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs are crowded from mid-morning.
- Good riads book out early. For Easter, May, October and the Christmas holidays, booking 2–3 months ahead is increasingly necessary in Marrakech, Fez and Essaouira.
- Desert camps and drivers are in demand. The best-run small camps around Merzouga fill first.
- Trains are busier at weekends. First-class seats on Al Boraq can sell out on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
10 ways to enjoy Morocco without the crowds
- Be first through the door. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, Bahia Palace or Bou Inania Madrasa at opening time; you will often have the courtyards almost to yourself for half an hour.
- Book timed tickets for Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum as soon as your dates are fixed.
- Travel in the shoulder months. Late January, February, early March and November are mild, sunny and much quieter than April or October.
- Sleep where the day-trippers leave. Spend the night at Aït Benhaddou, in the Dades valley or in Chefchaouen: in the evening and early morning, these places return to residents.
- Choose a second city. Instead of a fourth day in Marrakech, try Taroudant, a walled town nicknamed "little Marrakech", or Meknes, with its monumental gates and far fewer visitors than Fez.
- Swap the Erg Chebbi for the Erg Chigaga. The larger, more remote dunes beyond M'Hamid require a 4x4 but feel far emptier.
- Head north. Tetouan's UNESCO-listed medina and Asilah's whitewashed lanes see a fraction of the visitors of Chefchaouen.
- Walk in the mountains. A day in the Ourika valley or a two-day walk from Imlil feels a world away from the souks. See our Atlas Mountains guide.
- Book trains early on the ONCF app, especially for weekend Al Boraq journeys.
- Stay longer in fewer places. Three nights in each base means fewer transfers, more time at quiet hours and a better sense of each city.
Is Morocco still good value?
Yes — but less uniformly than before. Prices in central Marrakech and in luxury desert camps have risen with demand, while smaller towns, local restaurants and public transport remain very affordable. Our money and tipping guide explains how to budget.
Sources
- Moroccan Ministry of Tourism statement, January 2026, as reported by Ecofin Agency and other outlets.
Plan your route with our 10-day itinerary, Marrakech guide and when to visit Morocco.
This guide was last reviewed in October 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, transport timetables and prices change; check official sources shortly before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.