Moroccan Diaspora Shuns Homeland Holidays: Rising Costs Spark Tourism Crisis

MREs accounted for nearly half of the 17.4 million people who visited Morocco in 2024, or about 8.6 million. But this summer, few of them are rallying the kingdom for their vacations. Most of them have changed their habits, opting for shorter stays and less spending in the face of rising costs.

While they used to spend weeks or even two months in Morocco during the summer, MREs now stay an average of 10 to 15 days. The new generations of MREs are abandoning the kingdom in favor of other more affordable destinations such as Spain, Turkey or Tunisia. "Elsewhere, we find more freedom and activities at a lower cost," confides an MRE to Maroc Hebdo.

Many MREs have constantly denounced the rise in the prices of plane and ferry tickets during the summer season, which complicates their return to Morocco. They also deplore the surge in prices of tourist services (accommodation, catering, transport) in cities like Marrakech or Agadir in the summer. "Morocco is becoming as expensive as certain European destinations, but the offer is not always up to par," observes an MRE.

Rather than staying in hotels in Morocco, MREs now prefer to stay with relatives or in their own residences, limiting their tourist spending, which amounted to 29.4 billion dirhams in 2024, up 22.9% compared to 2023. This change in the behavior of MREs has a direct impact on Morocco’s tourism revenues.

Experts emphasize the need for Morocco to diversify its tourism offering to continue attracting MREs. "MREs no longer just want to visit their families. The younger generations are looking for immersive, cultural or festive experiences," explains a specialist. To correct the situation, the authorities will have to simplify the administrative procedures at the borders and promote offers adapted to the Moroccan diaspora.