Leaving for Dubai... or staying in Marrakech? The choice of Moroccans

– bySaid · 2 min read
Leaving for Dubai... or staying in Marrakech? The choice of Moroccans

Where did Moroccans spend New Year’s Eve? The verdict of travel agencies is clear: internationally, Dubai crushes the competition. At the national level, Marrakech retains its crown, despite a controversy over the accessibility of desert areas.

The trend is confirmed year after year. For the end-of-year holidays, Moroccans are looking for a change of scenery and high-end entertainment. According to the National Federation of Travel Agencies, the emirate of Dubai has been the most sought-after destination, confirming a fundamental change in tourism consumption habits.

While traditional destinations like Spain and France maintain a market share thanks to historical and family ties, they are now eclipsed by the global offering of the emirate city. Mohamed Semlali, president of the Federation, notes a strong increase in demand for packages to the Gulf, as travelers are now looking for flexible options suitable for all ages.

For those who stayed in the Kingdom, the top duo remains unchanged: Marrakech is the number one destination, closely followed by Agadir. Ski resorts like Ifrane and Oukaïmeden have also benefited from the winter to attract snow enthusiasts.

However, a divergence of analysis appears regarding Saharan tourism. While the Federation mentions difficulties in accessing Merzouga due to bad weather and snow-blocked roads, on-site observations report a different reality: the desert was crowded during these last few days, proving the irresistible appeal of the dunes for vacationers, even if they had to brave the weather.

Finally, sports news also dictates the agendas: many agencies have oriented their offers towards African countries, riding the wave of the 2025 CAN hosted by Morocco.