At the end of November, the city of Marrakech recorded exceptional tourist performances, with more than 10 million passengers passing through its airport. And it’s not over, the Ocher City is establishing itself as a destination of choice for the end of year celebrations. This article is a press review taken from Challenge.
Marrakech, a city symbol of national and even international tourism, is regaining its momentum of growth. La Cité Ocre recorded an impressive increase of 71% this year, supported by a strong recovery in international flights and major cultural events, says Challenge magazine. An emblematic destination all year round, the city pulls out all the stops for the end-of-year celebrations, writes the magazine. For the end of December, a myriad of offers are on offer, particularly in terms of festive evenings and catering. Prices range between 450 and 3,500 dirhams, depending on the services. For example, at the Sofitel in Marrakech, Christmas dinner starts from 900 dirhams, and can reach 3,500 dirhams. Marrakech is once again banking on its exemplary connectivity, in particular thanks to the Marrakech-Menara airport, which is expanding to accommodate a growing influx of travelers, particularly those expected for the 2030 World Cup. Another asset: its litter capacity. “With a capacity of more than 80,000 beds, ranging from traditional riads to luxury hotels and establishments adapted to all budgets, it welcomes tourists from all over the world every year, seduced by its hospitality and its varied offering.” The city is already recording exceptional tourist performances: more than 10 million passengers will have passed through Marrakech-Menara airport. The city will exceed 10 million overnight stays (12 million for the region). “The overall hotel occupancy rate reaches 72%, with impressive figures for club hotels (90%), 78% for 4-star establishments, 75% for 5-star establishments and 70% for luxury hotels,” we write. The French market remains the undisputed leader in 2024, with 23% of arrivals and 27% of overnight stays. “The 16% increase in French arrivals and overnight stays compared to 2023 confirms the solidity of this market,” writes Challenge. The United Kingdom, the second largest foreign market in terms of arrivals and overnight stays, is experiencing remarkable growth, with an increase of +40% in arrivals and +35% in overnight stays compared to 2023. In 2024, the United Kingdom represents 12% of arrivals and 17% of overnight stays. This performance is attributed to the attractiveness of Marrakech as a destination for long weekends and the geographical proximity to the United Kingdom. Spain shows notable and continued growth. Spaniards represent 6% of arrivals and 5% of overnight stays, with an increase of 11% in arrivals and 18% of overnight stays. Marrakech remains a close and accessible destination for Spaniards, reinforcing its role as a destination of choice for short stays. The hotel occupancy rate in Marrakech also recorded an increase of 5 points, reaching 72% in 2024, compared to 67% in 2023.
