Morocco’s Tourism Boom Sparks Airbnb Dilemma, Threatens Housing Market

In the absence of regulation of the sector, a large part of the expected tourism revenue in the context of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2025) and the 2030 World Cup will be captured by the booking platform, Airbnb. This would represent a major loss for the state. Founded in 2008, and present in more than 220 countries and more than 100,000 cities, this platform is a direct competitor to hoteliers. According to Airbnb data in Morocco, owners renting out their properties through the platform earn an average of $1,200 per year.

"Airbnb is a formula that suits everyone, when it is framed. It is not because the hoteliers say that it is unfair competition that it is true. Each has its own clientele. What is missing is the legal framework that governs the activity," explains Amal Karioun, president of the National Federation of Travel Agencies, to Challenge. He calls on the state "to crack down on people who do not respect the legislation," while ensuring not to "promote overtourism."

In the eyes of Zoubir Bouhoute, an expert in tourism policy, alternative rentals are not a threat to hoteliers. "In figures, in Morocco, even if we have nearly 4,000 hotels facing 13,000 private accommodations, the ratio between the two offers is quite far apart. The hotel offer accumulates nearly 150,000 rooms. That being said, I think Morocco should opt for an approach of openness and control. I remind you that the law on alternative rentals is in the process of being drafted," he said.

Except that the wait is long. The kingdom could, for the time being, follow the example of Spain, England or Italy, which have limited bookings on Airbnb to address overtourism. Barcelona has decided to ban the rental of 10,000 homes on Airbnb by 2029. London, for its part, has limited Airbnb rentals to 90 nights per year for entire homes.