Agadir's Hotel Capacity Under Pressure Amidst Rising Tourist Demand
In recent years, Agadir, a prime Moroccan tourist destination known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, has witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist demand. However, this growth has raised concerns regarding the city’s ability to accommodate visitors, as current hotel capacities are insufficient. Reports indicate that by the end of 2026, Agadir's average occupancy rate is expected to soar to 70%, creating a pressing need for additional lodging options. To address this challenge, industry experts have announced the development of approximately 4,500 to 5,000 new hotel beds. Despite these efforts, the situation remains dire, particularly due to the closure of 19 hotels, which has resulted in the loss of over 6,500 beds, severely impacting Agadir's hospitality landscape.
Agadir, which encompasses the city itself and nearby areas such as Aourir, Taghazout, and Imi Ouaddar, is gearing up for a bright future, especially with major international events like the 2030 World Cup on the horizon. Yet, the city’s accommodation capacity now stands as a pivotal challenge that could hinder its progress. Out of a total of 50,455 beds across 310 classified tourist establishments in the Souss-Massa region, Agadir alone is responsible for 87.4% of this inventory, translating to 44,081 available beds and 170 classified units. As the year concludes, the average occupancy rate is projected to hit 70%, placing additional strain on existing facilities and raising concerns about their maintenance. This scenario has piqued the interest of investors, who are wary that insufficient accommodation capacity could impede the city’s growth trajectory by 2027.
Investments and New Hotels to Alleviate Pressure
The closure of hotels in Agadir, which includes both permanent and temporary shutdowns for renovations, has been more pronounced compared to other Moroccan destinations. Currently, the development of new accommodations is crucial, with industry sources confirming that around 4,500 to 5,000 new beds are in the pipeline. These new developments are anticipated to alleviate the pressure on the local hotel market and support a return to double-digit growth, ensuring the sustainability of Agadir’s tourism trajectory.
Although there has been a 5% increase in accommodation capacity compared to last year, demand continues to outpace supply, with tourist arrivals rising by 4.52% in the first nine months of 2026, and overnight stays increasing by 6.35% during the same period. To meet this growing demand, several major projects have been initiated. Notable among these is the Royal Mansour Hotel, featuring Morocco's fourth national golf course, located in Tamaouanza, north of Agadir. Additionally, the TUI Magic Life hotel is under construction, promising to add 427 more rooms to Agadir’s inventory, with an expected opening in summer 2027. This hotel is set to replace the former Club Med, now under the Tikida group’s management.
Moreover, the Moroccan group Al Maghribia Lil Istitmar has commenced work on its fourth establishment in Agadir under the brand “Dominium Hotels and Residences” in the Sonaba area. The Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education and Training is also preparing to launch a new four-star hotel, backed by an investment of approximately 160 million Moroccan dirhams. Renovation efforts are also ongoing at the Almouggar Garden Beach hotel, which is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade to modernize its facilities while maintaining its substantial capacity of 410 rooms, translating to over 800 beds. The Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort has also initiated renovations to enhance its offerings. Furthermore, the construction of the Double Tree Hotel & Residences by Hilton at Agadir’s marina marks the introduction of Hilton’s first property in the city, following its expansion in Taghazout.
Despite these positive developments, the burden of closed hotels remains a significant hurdle for Agadir's tourism sector. Agadir Seaside Club, a subsidiary of Foundoukia Holding, has recently acquired the Tivoli Hotel, which boasts 280 rooms and suites, marking the group's entry into Agadir's market. Foundoukia Holding also owns the Sol Oasis Marrakech by Meliá and the Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech. With this acquisition, the group's portfolio now exceeds 800 rooms. Additionally, the Bauchet-Bouhlal family has purchased the Atlantic Palace Agadir for around 400 million dirhams, including the entire hotel complex and its casino. However, numerous hotels, which have the potential to significantly enhance Agadir's accommodation capacity, remain closed for years without any clear timeline for reopening.
In total, approximately 19 hotels, accounting for over 6,500 beds, are still out of service. These establishments, often located in strategic parts of the city, pose challenges to urban development and limit overall accommodation capacity. Furthermore, a recovery fund that was previously announced has yet to be activated by the Ministry of Tourism. Many of these closed hotels, such as the Kempinski Royal Palace, have been stalled since 2010, with no sign of progress. Other facilities like Transatlantique, Club la Kasbah, Ryad Mogador, Hotel Salam, and Oumeyades are similarly in limbo, creating a stark contrast to the vibrant growth expected in Agadir’s tourism sector.
As reported by leseco.ma.
