Major Spanish hotel groups are significantly expanding their presence in Morocco, capitalizing on a robust tourism market and ambitious government development plans. The country's hotel capacity has surpassed 270,000 beds, with a target to reach 300,000 by 2026, according to the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT).
Groups like Meliá Hotels International, Barceló Hotel Group, and Iberostar are leading this expansion. Meliá, for instance, has several properties in operation and more under development in cities like Marrakech and Tangier. The strategy focuses on both urban and coastal destinations to cater to a diverse range of travelers.
This growth is supported by Morocco's "Vision 2026" tourism roadmap, which aims to attract 17.5 million tourists annually by 2026. The plan involves substantial investment in infrastructure and promotion. Spain remains a key source market for tourists to Morocco, further incentivizing hotel investments.
The expansion reflects a strategic shift where Morocco is becoming a primary destination rather than a secondary one for these international operators. The market offers a combination of high profitability and strong potential for asset appreciation, driven by sustained demand and strategic development.