Growing interest from Saudi Arabia strengthens Morocco’s position as an alternative to traditional European summer destinations
Morocco, which reached a record 19.8 million visitors in 2025, is attracting increasing attention from travellers across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Rising demand from Saudi Arabia in particular is reinforcing the country’s position as an alternative summer destination, supported by its combination of coastline, culture, gastronomy, and family-oriented tourism experiences.
Morocco is strengthening its position in the international tourism market as the summer holiday preferences of travellers from Gulf countries expand beyond traditional European destinations.
The country welcomed a record 19.8 million tourists in 2025, representing a 14 percent increase compared with the previous year. During the same period, tourism revenues rose by 21 percent to MAD 138 billion.
Growth in tourism has continued in 2026. During the first six months of the year, Morocco received 9.4 million visitors, an increase of 6 percent compared with the same period in 2025.
Interest from Saudi travellers is growing
The increase in demand from Gulf countries is particularly visible in the Saudi Arabian market.
According to Wego’s Summer 2026 data, Morocco ranked among the top five most-searched international destinations among travellers from Saudi Arabia.
The trend indicates growing interest among GCC travellers in destinations that combine culture, coastal tourism, leisure opportunities, accessibility, and value.
Morocco also considers the Middle East an important source market within its broader tourism strategy. The country aims to welcome 26 million visitors annually by 2030.
Tourism diversity on the Atlantic coast
One example of Morocco’s diverse tourism offering is Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, located in the El Jadida region on the country’s Atlantic coast.
Set across approximately 250 hectares, the resort features seven kilometres of coastline, 500 rooms and suites, 15 restaurants and bars, an 18-hole golf course designed by Gary Player, wellness facilities, and a wide range of family-oriented activities.
Jacques Claudel, General Manager of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, said GCC travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer more than a conventional summer holiday. He noted that Morocco’s combination of culture, coastline, gastronomy, and hospitality makes the country particularly attractive to families and multi-generational travellers.
Claudel added that guests at Mazagan can combine beach, golf, wellness, dining, and family experiences within a single destination while also discovering Morocco’s cultural richness and Atlantic coastline.
Morocco emerges as an alternative destination for the GCC market
The continued increase in international visitor numbers and strengthening demand from Gulf countries are reinforcing Morocco’s position in the summer tourism market.
By combining coastal tourism with culture, gastronomy, golf, wellness, and family-oriented experiences, Morocco is becoming increasingly prominent among the destination choices of GCC travellers, particularly those from Saudi Arabia.
