Discover Morocco

05/01/2026

This Marrakesh sunrise experience is worth waking up for
Our unexpectedly perfect Marrakesh hot air balloon experience

If you're planning to visit Morocco, here's why this Marrakesh sunrise experience is worth waking up for.

31/12/2025

🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉

As we step into a brand new year, we want to send a huge thank you to all our readers and followers. Your likes, comments, and shares throughout 2025 have meant the world to us and kept our community growing and thriving.

We’re so grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to share more with you in the year ahead. Here’s to new beginnings, fresh ideas, and an amazing year together! 🥂✨

Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and successful New Year! 💫

28/12/2025

Morocco Holidays: 7 Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip

Morocco feels like stepping into a different world. The moment travelers arrive, they’re surrounded by the smell of fresh mint tea, the sound of calls to prayer echoing through ancient medinas, and colors so vibrant they almost don’t seem real. This North African gem sits just a short flight from Europe, yet it offers an experience that’s completely exotic and unforgettable.

From the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert to the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen, Morocco packs incredible diversity into one country. Planning a trip here might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, anyone can create an adventure that’s smooth, affordable, and absolutely magical.

Book Accommodations That Match Travel Style
Morocco offers accommodation options for every type of traveler and budget. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses built around interior courtyards, often featuring stunning tilework and rooftop terraces. Staying in a riad provides an authentic experience right in the heart of historic medinas. Many are family-run, offering personal touches that hotels simply can’t match.

Planning a trip here might seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, anyone can create an adventure that's smooth, affordable, and absolutely magical.

27/12/2025

Eight excellent reasons to fly to Marrakesh from Liverpool in 2026

There are two departures a week from Liverpool Airport with easyJet, and from April with Ryanair too

There are two departures a week from Liverpool Airport with easyJet, and from April with Ryanair too

27/12/2025

Rissani Morocco Souk History
Walking Through Time in the Birthplace of Moroccan Trade

I didn’t arrive in Rissani expecting much. After days of driving through southeastern Morocco, it felt like just another quiet town near the desert. No crowds, no souvenir shops, no signs pointing to “must-see attractions.” But the moment I stepped into the souk, I realized I had walked into something far older and more meaningful than I anticipated.

This wasn’t a market built for visitors. It was a market built for survival, trade, and tradition — and it has been operating in one form or another for centuries.

First Impressions: Not a Tourist Market

The Rissani souk doesn’t announce itself. There’s no entrance gate, no neat layout. Instead, it unfolds naturally — dirt paths, low stalls, animals tied near their owners, men crouched in circles talking business.

I immediately noticed something different: no one was trying to sell me anything.

People were busy. Real deals were happening. Sheep were being inspected, prices debated quietly, bread exchanged hand to hand. I felt like a guest in someone else’s routine, not a customer.

That’s when a local guide quietly said, “This market hasn’t changed much.”

Rissani’s Role in Moroccan History .......

Walking Through Time in the Birthplace of Moroccan Trade

24/12/2025

Morocco’s Tourism Triumph in 2025 and What Awaits Visitors in 2026

In 2025, Morocco solidified its reputation as a must-visit destination, enchanting travelers with a vivid tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling medinas of Marrakech and Fes to the sweeping dunes of the Sahara and the dramatic peaks of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offered an unforgettable mix of adventure, tradition, and modern comforts. The year marked a milestone in tourism, with visitors drawn by the country’s vibrant colors, aromatic cuisine, and warm hospitality.

A Banner Year for Moroccan Tourism

Morocco’s success in 2025 was driven by the richness and diversity of experiences it offered:

Historic Cities and Vibrant Culture
Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira continued to captivate with their labyrinthine streets, bustling souks, and striking architecture. Travelers wandered through centuries-old palaces, explored artisan workshops, and experienced local festivals that brought the country’s traditions to life. The fusion of Arab, Berber, and French influences created a cultural mosaic that left a lasting impression.

Breathtaking Landscapes
From the golden sands of the Sahara Desert to the rugged Atlas Mountains and the lush valleys of the Rif region, Morocco offered natural wonders for every kind of explorer. Adventure travelers hiked scenic trails, rode camels across endless dunes, and discovered hidden waterfalls and oases tucked away in the mountains. The country’s dramatic geography made it a playground for both relaxation and exploration.

Culinary Riches
Moroccan cuisine shone in 2025, drawing visitors eager to savor tagines, couscous, freshly baked breads, and aromatic spices. Food markets, cooking classes, and dining experiences in traditional riads offered immersive ways to taste the country’s rich culinary heritage. Pairing meals with local wines or mint tea added depth to every experience.

Authentic Hospitality
One of Morocco’s greatest strengths was its people. Visitors consistently noted the warmth, generosity, and genuine friendliness of locals, whether guiding travelers through medinas, welcoming them to desert camps, or sharing stories over evening meals. This hospitality created memorable connections and enriched every journey.

Looking Ahead to 2026: What Travelers Can Expect

As Morocco moves into 2026, the country is building on its momentum with new offerings, enhanced experiences, and sustainable tourism initiatives:

Expanded Cultural Routes
Travelers can explore thematic journeys that highlight Morocco’s heritage, from ancient kasbahs and historic medinas to contemporary art galleries and music festivals. These curated experiences provide deeper insight into the country’s diverse traditions and living culture.

Adventure and Outdoor Experiences
Hiking, trekking, and camel expeditions are being expanded with more guided routes, eco-camps, and desert excursions. The Atlas Mountains and Sahara dunes remain prime destinations for adventure seekers, offering both challenge and breathtaking scenery.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Travel
Sustainability is increasingly at the heart of Moroccan tourism. Eco-lodges, renewable energy initiatives in desert camps, and community-led tours allow travelers to engage responsibly with the environment while supporting local communities.

Culinary and Wellness Journeys
2026 promises deeper culinary immersion with vineyard tours, spice market explorations, and hands-on cooking experiences. Wellness travel is also on the rise, with desert retreats, hammams, and spa experiences designed to combine relaxation with cultural immersion.

Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Destinations
While Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca remain favorites, regions such as the Draa Valley, Chefchaouen, and the Atlantic coast’s small fishing towns are emerging as must-see destinations. These areas offer authenticity, fewer crowds, and breathtaking natural beauty.

Festivals and Events
Morocco’s vibrant festival calendar continues to expand, celebrating music, art, film, and traditional crafts. Visitors can join cultural events that reveal both historical depth and contemporary creativity, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.

Why Morocco Belongs on Your 2026 Travel List

Morocco’s tourism success in 2025 reflected more than rising visitor numbers—it showcased a country that seamlessly blends adventure, culture, and authentic experiences. In 2026, travelers can expect even richer opportunities to explore, connect, and immerse themselves in Morocco’s unique world.

Whether wandering ancient medinas, riding camels across golden dunes, sampling aromatic dishes in a family-run riad, or hiking through rugged mountain trails, Morocco offers journeys that are vivid, unforgettable, and deeply rewarding. In 2026, the country invites travelers to rediscover its magic, one colorful, sensory-filled experience at a time.

23/12/2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts expands its luxury lifestyle portfolio in Morocco
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Sirayane Hospitality, a local high end hospitality investor and operator with over twenty years’ experience in Marrakech, to develop Kimpton Marrakech, a 67-key luxury lifestyle hotel opening in Q4 2026. The signing marks the introduction of the Kimpton brand in Morocco, further expanding IHG’s luxury and lifestyle footprint in the country.

Since introducing the boutique hotel concept in 1981, Kimpton, recognized worldwide for its unique design, heartfelt hospitality, and immersive lifestyle experiences, has built a strong global presence across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The brand’s debut in Marrakech reflects the city’s growing appeal as a global luxury destination and reinforces the rising demand for boutique, experience-driven stays in one of the world’s most culturally rich and dynamic landscapes.

Located seven kilometers from Marrakesh–Menara Airport, Morocco’s second-largest airport, Kimpton Marrakech will sit a short 20-minute drive south of the Medina and Hivernage district. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the area is emerging as a preferred enclave for affluent leisure travelers seeking privacy, tranquility, and refined luxury outside the city’s bustling centre. The neighborhood is supported by the presence of world-class leisure facilities including international golf courses.

Set to open in 2026, Kimpton Marrakech will feature 67 rooms, an inviting lobby lounge, and all-day dining venues. Guests will be able to enjoy a serene spa and fitness centre, swimming pools, and a branded vibrant rooftop restaurant showcasing the hotel’s elevated approach to food and beverage. Reflecting Kimpton’s distinctive blend of expressive design, imaginative dining, and warm, human-centered hospitality, the hotel will serve as a dynamic social hub for both travelers and the local community.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts – India, Middle East & Africa, said: “We are delighted to partner with Sirayane Hospitality to introduce the Kimpton brand to Marrakech, Morocco, a destination celebrated for its cultural richness, design heritage, and growing luxury tourism sector. Sirayane Hospitality’s strong local expertise makes them the perfect partner for this milestone opening.”
He added: “Kimpton Marrakech will bring a bold, contemporary, and highly experiential luxury lifestyle offering to one of the world’s most inspiring cities. Kimpton Hotels worldwide are thoughtfully designed to inspire connection and creativity, and we’re excited to bring that same energy and spirit to Marrakech.”

Mehdi Bennani Smires, Owner and CEO of Sirayane Hospitality, commented: “We are proud to partner with IHG to bring the first Kimpton hotel to Morocco. Marrakech is a global destination for luxury travel, and we look forward to developing a hotel that represents the avant-garde of luxury lifestyle hospitality in the city.”

As Morocco’s leading tourism destination, Marrakech accounts for around 25 per cent of the country’s visitors, supported by rising international demand and sustained government investment in the tourism sector. Known as the “Red City”, Marrakech is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant souks, and iconic historic sites, while also serving as a gateway to the Atlas Mountains.

IHG continues to expand its presence in Morocco, building a strong pipeline across luxury, lifestyle, and premium brands to support the country’s growing tourism ambitions.

16/12/2025

Royal Mansour Marrakech is pleased to announce the opening of an exclusive Alajmo Brothers pop up inside Le Jardin restaurant. From December 19th to January 4th, Le Jardin will be transformed into the setting for a playful, cosmopolitan culinary journey inspired by the routes of the Silk Road, enriched with flavours and influences from Asia, South America, Africa and the Mediterranean.

Drawing on their Venetian heritage – as finely expressed at Sesamo restaurant – and their passion for cultural exchange, the Alajmo brothers reinterpret global flavours with finesse, creativity and their signature spirit of joyful hospitality.

Set within Le Jardin, the hotel’s al fresco restaurant, the pop-up seamlessly extends the venue’s creative, seasonal culinary identity. Following Chef Rafaël Rego’s residency last spring, this collaboration brings a fresh interpretation of Italian mastery to a vibrant, globally inspired setting.

“With this menu, we wanted to bring to Le Jardin a cuisine that is curious, free-spirited and adventurous – a journey of flavours that celebrates the connection between East and West and the beauty of cross-cultural influences,” says Raffaele Alajmo, CEO and Maître des Lieux of the Alajmo Group. “For us, cuisine is a way to unite cultures. This pop-up gives us the freedom to play, explore and reinterpret ingredients from around the world, while staying true to the lightness and essence of our cooking,” adds Chef Massimiliano Alajmo.

Highlights of the menu include a wood-fired in pala focaccia with yuzu tomato, a delicate seabass ceviche with guacamole and mango sorbet, and cold soy noodles with caviar and black trumpet mushrooms.Main dishes go beyond the expected, offering not only signature Italian inspirations such as the wild prawn mezzi paccheri or the creamy risotto gratin, but also more surprising disheslike beef tataki with sesame vegetables and wasabi.

The Alajmo Pop-Up at Le Jardin invites guests to enjoy a borderless gastronomic experience crafted by the Alajmo brothers and brought to life by Riccardo Barni, Chef of Sesamo at Royal Mansour Marrakech.

https://barmagazine.co.uk/royal-mansour-marrakechs-winter-pop-up/

15/12/2025

As Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the focus is not only on football but also on how the tournament can support the country’s wider tourism goals.

Officials see AFCON as more than a sporting event, describing it as a chance to strengthen Morocco’s position as a global destination.

Tourism Roadmap and Rising Visitor Numbers
The competition is part of the national Tourism Roadmap 2023–2026, which aims to improve infrastructure, raise service quality, diversify destinations, and attract sustainable investment. Authorities say AFCON will accelerate this plan rather than stand apart from it.

Tourism numbers show the sector is already on solid ground. By late 2025, Morocco had welcomed about 18 million visitors, surpassing expectations and putting the country ahead of the roadmap’s target of 17.5 million by 2026.

The summer season confirmed the trend, with 4.6 million tourists in July and August, a 6 percent increase compared to the previous year.

These results came before the start of AFCON, suggesting Morocco entered the tournament with strong momentum. The event is expected to add further visibility, attract new visitors, and underline Morocco’s ability to host large international gatherings.

For officials, the goal is clear: use AFCON 2025 not just to fill hotels during the competition, but to build lasting confidence in Morocco’s tourism sector.

https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2025/12/271857/how-morocco-plans-to-turn-afcon-2025-into-a-tourism-boost/

13/12/2025

Royal Air Maroc will launch a new nonstop service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Casablanca (CMN) on June 7, 2026. The route marks the first direct air link between Africa and the U.S. Pacific Coast, offering a 11-hour connection and representing a major step forward in the expansion of the airline’s long-haul network.

Operating three times per week, the new service responds to growing intercontinental travel demand ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The route will serve the Moroccan and African diasporas, American tourists, business travelers, as well as soccer fans traveling from Morocco, Africa, and Europe to the United States for this worldwide celebration.

“This direct route to Los Angeles is much more than a new destination, it marks a historic milestone for Royal Air Maroc and for air connectivity across the African continent,” said Hamid Addou, Chairman and CEO of Royal Air Maroc. “It embodies our ambition to bring Morocco closer to major global economic, tourism, and cultural hubs while supporting the Kingdom’s momentum of global engagement. As a key player in tourism, Royal Air Maroc contributes to strengthening the visibility of Morocco in the U.S., one of the largest outbound travel markets.”

With this new service, Casablanca further strengthens its position as a major hub linking Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The launch aligns with Royal Air Maroc’s strategic development plan, which includes expanding the fleet, opening new routes, and increasing international and domestic service.

Flights will be operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, known for its comfort, performance, and cutting-edge technology. Passengers will enjoy Royal Air Maroc’s long-haul service, individual entertainment, and a comfortable travel experience.

Expanding the North American Network

Royal Air Maroc strengthens its presence in North America, where the airline already serves New York, Washington, D.C., Miami, Montreal, and Toronto. The new Los Angeles route complements increased frequencies on other strategic long-haul gateways, including Miami, Washington, D.C., São Paulo and Dubai.

With this expansion, Royal Air Maroc reaffirms its leadership in African aviation and solidifies Morocco’s position as a world-class hub, in strategic anticipation of the FIFA World Cup 2030, co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal.

Flight schedule: Effective June 7, 2026 (local times)

From Los Angeles (LAX) to Casablanca (CMN)

Flight AT251
Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays
Departure: 10:20 a.m.
Arrival: 5:25 a.m. (next day)
From Casablanca (CMN) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Flight AT250
Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays
Departure: 4:00 a.m.
Arrival: 8:20 a.m.
Customers can book their tickets today by visiting royairmaroc.com, contacting Royal Air Maroc call centers and sales offices, or via their preferred travel agency.

05/12/2025

Why Morocco Should be on Your Travel Bucket List in 2026
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Morocco should be on your travel bucket list in 2026. From its fascinating cities to its breathtaking scenery, let’s explore why Morocco is the perfect place to visit next year.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Morocco should be on your travel bucket list in 2026. From its fascinating cities to its breathtaking scenery, let’s explore why Morocco is the perfect place to visit next year.

03/12/2025

Morocco’s tourism sector closed November on a new historic high, with 18 million tourist arrivals recorded in the first eleven months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

The figure already surpasses the full-year total of 2024 by more than 600,000 visitors, representing a 13.5% increase compared to the same period last year. The ministry attributed the performance to investments deployed under the 2023-2026 roadmap, including strengthened air connectivity, international promotion, and diversification of tourism products.

The ministry said the sector is expected to end the year with strong momentum, supported by December’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor described the results as proof of the sector’s sustained progress and Morocco’s reinforced attractiveness.

While figures for November revenues are not yet available, data for the first ten months highlight a parallel financial surge. Travel revenues reached MAD 113.26 billion ($11.32 billion) by October, exceeding the entire 2024 total of MAD 112.5 billion (11.25 billion).

This marks a 16.7% year-on-year increase and reflects solid demand across key source markets. Tourism expenditures climbed to MAD 27.54 billion ($2.75 billion), improving the sector’s surplus to MAD 85.71 billion ($8.57 billion).

Arrivals during the same period reached 16.6 million, up 14% year-on-year, placing Morocco 13th globally among the world’s most dynamic destinations, according to UN Tourism rankings. To accommodate this growth, the kingdom has added 43,000 new hotel beds since 2023.

Broader structural data confirm the sector’s expanding economic weight. The High Commission for Planning (HCP) reported that tourism GDP reached MAD 116.2 billion ($11.62 billion) in 2024, a 38.4% rise compared to 2019.

Tourism’s contribution to national GDP increased from 6.8% to 7.3%. Total tourism consumption – including international visitors and domestic tourism – reached MAD 201.7 billion ($20.17 billion) in 2024, up 42.6% from 2019.

International tourism spending grew by 46.8%, rising from MAD 93.2 billion ($9.32 billion) in 2019 to MAD 136.9 billion ($13.69 billion) in 2024. Domestic and outbound tourism consumption reached MAD 64.8 billion ($6.48 billion), representing a 34.6% increase.

Positioning Morocco among the top 10-15 global destinations by 2026

These gains are aligned with Morocco’s broader tourism roadmap. The 2023-2026 strategy targets 17.5 to 18 million visitors and MAD 120-124 billion ($12-12.4 billion) in revenues by 2025-2026, alongside 200,000 new jobs – targets that now appear largely achieved ahead of schedule given the current arrivals and revenue levels.

Morocco’s tourism sector closed November on a new historic high, with 18 million tourist arrivals recorded in the first eleven months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Tourism.