Airbnb, an unexpected savior for Marrakech

The official figures have not yet been released, but the observation is unanimous: Marrakech was bursting at the seams in December. Between the presence of international stars like Madonna and the massive influx of African supporters, the 275 classified hotels in the city were fully booked, according to Médias24.

The Regional Tourism Council (CRT) anticipates a historic balance sheet, with more than 5 million visitors in 2025. Such pressure that the traditional accommodation offer could not absorb all the flows, forcing many travelers to look for alternatives.

The informal (and Airbnb) sector, unexpected saviors

Ironically, it is the informal accommodation and Airbnb-type rentals that have saved the day. Often criticized for unfair competition, this sector has this time played an essential role as a shock absorber, housing the tourists and supporters who could no longer find hotel rooms.

But this makeshift system has its limits. For the National Federation of the Hotel Industry (FNIH), the situation proves the urgency to invest. Marrakech’s current capacity is insufficient to meet a constantly growing global demand.

The warning is clear: to continue to compete with giants like Dubai without saturation, the city must imperatively build new luxury and mid-range hotels. Failing that, the destination risks turning people away and losing market share.