Explosion of short stays: How a simple day off work propels the French to Marrakech

The latest annual Opodo barometer, conducted in partnership with the Raffour Interactif firm, reveals that 61.4% of the French went on vacation in 2025. Although this figure is slightly down from 62.1% the previous year, it is one of the three best historical performances since the study was created 24 years ago. This momentum was driven by contained inflation at 0.9% and mild weather.

The major lesson of this study is the meteoric rise of short stays, which attracted 26 million travelers, an increase of 1.7 million compared to 2024. In this category, Marrakech confirms its insolent health by being on the podium of the most popular destinations, alongside Barcelona and Lisbon.

The appeal of the ochre city is based on a strategic triptych: immediate proximity to France, guaranteed sunshine, and a controlled budget. For Guy Raffour, founder of the Raffour Interactif firm, these one-to-three-night getaways allow for an "immediate letting go." Travelers now prefer to multiply these intense moments rather than the complex preparation of long stays.

This change in consumption habits directly benefits the influence of Marrakech. By adding a simple day off work to enjoy a long weekend, the French are turning the Moroccan city into a natural extension of their leisure territory. This choice reflects a desire for a quick disconnection from an international context often perceived as burdensome by the respondents.