Morocco Sees a Surge in Turkish Tourist Arrivals
Recent data from Turkey reveals an astonishing 180% increase in the demand for Moroccan travel among Turkish tourists during the first nine months of 2026, compared to the same period last year. This surge highlights Morocco's appeal as a prime destination, particularly for tourists seeking locations that do not require a visa. Notably, destinations that allow visa-free entry accounted for nearly 60% of all overseas tour sales during this period.
In addition to Morocco's rising popularity, the number of Turkish citizens traveling abroad has also seen a significant boost, climbing over 18% to reach approximately 10.6 million travelers. The spending habits of these tourists indicate that accommodation, meals, and beverages constituted the largest share of their expenses while abroad. There was, however, a marked increase in expenditures on sports, education, and cultural activities as well.
The total spending by Turkish tourists abroad from January to September amounted to 8.228 billion euros, reflecting a 7% annual increase compared to the same timeframe in the previous year, where expenditures totaled 7.687 billion euros. This upward trend underscores the evolving preferences of Turkish travelers, who are increasingly exploring diverse global destinations.
According to Turkish travel agencies, tourist demand for Japan has risen by 70%, while interest in South Korea increased by 50%. Meanwhile, Italy, Spain, and countries in Central Europe continue to rank as the most favored destinations for early bookings for 2027.
The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity reported that Morocco welcomed a total of 15.7 million tourists during the first nine months of the current year, marking a 5% annual increase, equivalent to over 717,000 additional visitors. The ministry stated that these results reflect the positive dynamics ongoing within the national tourism sector, demonstrating Morocco's ability to maintain its attractiveness and draw in more visitors throughout the year.
These figures confirm Morocco's potential to sustain a growth trajectory even outside peak tourist seasons, showcasing a consistent interest in the Moroccan destination. In a related development, the tourism sector generated revenues of 138 billion dirhams last year, marking an impressive 75% growth compared to 2019 and a 21% increase compared to 2024. This growth bolsters the vital role of tourism in Morocco’s financial stability and contributes significantly to the infusion of foreign currency into the national economy.
As reported by hespress.com.
