Agadir Tourism Rebounds: Domestic Visitors Drive 3% Summer Growth Despite Hotel Struggles

In total, 85,335 domestic tourists joined the Agadir destination in August last year, compared to 82,752 Moroccan nationals during the same period the previous year, i.e. 2,583 additional tourists (3.12%). Overnight stays experienced a slight decrease of 0.27%, 323,859 overnight stays in August 2020 compared to 324,729 overnight stays during the same period in 2019.

However, the situation of the classified establishments in the destination is not good. 79% of the total capacity of the station was operational (81 classified accommodation hotels in Agadir) while 21% remained closed. Result: the occupancy rate stands at 31.13% during the month of August 2020 against 75.60% during the same period in 2019, which represents a variation of 58.83%.

On the other hand, the classified establishments located north of Agadir, particularly in Taghazout and Imi Ouddar, recorded higher occupancy rates during this period. During the month of July 2020, the seaside resort of the Biladi "Lunja Village" plan in Immi Ouddar achieved the best occupancy rate (60.40%) of the Agadir and its region destination. This station represents only 1.8% of the total capacity of the destination. The complex was able to generate 20% of the total overnight stays with similar occupancy during the month of August.

The summer tourist season was able to be saved but the restrictive measures at the level of the seaside resort of Agadir and the closure of the beaches, restaurants and cafes from 11 p.m. and 10 p.m. and the Souk El Had could slow down the current momentum. Faced with this situation, a surfing association has launched a petition to call for the adoption of the concept of dynamic beaches in Agadir in strict compliance with health measures, in particular social distancing and the wearing of masks.