Moroccan Tourism Slump: Expats Shun Overpriced Beaches for Affordable European Getaways

Virtually deserted beaches, empty restaurants in M’diq or Saïdia, seaside hotels displaying historically low occupancy rates in the middle of July. The MREs are missing this summer. Even the cities of Hoceima, Martil, Saïdia, Fnideq or Agadir, historically very popular with MRE families, are deserted, reports Tourisma Post. The city of Marrakech is also experiencing the same fate. "Usually, at this time of year, we turn people away. Here, we struggle to exceed 50% occupancy," notes a professional from Saïdia. Cafes, restaurants, private beaches and souks are in the same predicament.

Why this temporary disaffection this summer when we know that the MREs boosted Moroccan tourism last year? In total, 8.6 million MREs returned to the country in 2024, an annual increase of 17%, while the number of visitors reached 17.4 million, including 8.8 million foreign tourists, an increase of 23%. At the origin of this visible absence, the high cost of living. Airline tickets and seasonal rentals are skyrocketing. Restaurant prices are rising. The rates charged on private beaches as well.

Faced with rising prices, many MREs have preferred to spend the summer vacation in Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Egypt or even the Balkans where the offer is more competitive, clearer, and often better suited to the expectations of an increasingly demanding clientele.