Spanish Hotel Chains Seize Opportunities in Morocco’s Tourist Boom
Major Spanish hotel chains, including Barcelo, Riu, Iberostar, and Melia, are flocking to Morocco, drawn by its thriving tourist industry. El Pais reports that these industry giants, managing 18 hotels currently, are set to expand further in Morocco.
Morocco stands out as a stable destination, politically and socially, compared to neighboring countries. The Morocco’s appeal as an investment hub is evident, with record-breaking tourist numbers in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
With a remarkable 13.2 million tourists in the first 11 months of 2023, Morocco’s tourist industry is experiencing a resurgence. This surge, post-pandemic, has propelled it to new heights and attracted major hotel chains eyeing substantial returns.
Morocco’s tourist industry & Spanish Hotel Chains Influx
Barcelo’s Leading Role – At the forefront of this trend is Barcelo, currently operating eight hotels across six Moroccan cities. In a strategic move, the group plans to invest over €80 million in acquiring and renovating two five-star establishments in Casablanca and Rabat.
Riu’s Continued Presence – Established in Morocco in 2002, the Riu hotel chain operates two hotels and a palace in Agadir, along with properties in Marrakech and Taghazout. Their longstanding presence underlines Morocco’s enduring appeal to these international hotel groups.
Iberostar’s Positive Growth -Iberostar, managing three hotels in Morocco, reports positive growth, driven by increased demand from key European markets like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. This growth aligns with the overall success of Morocco’s tourism sector.
Melia’s Anticipation for 2024 – Melia, with an existing hotel in Marrakech, anticipates strong performance in 2024. Actively exploring new opportunities in Morocco, the hotel chain is evaluating multiple projects to expand its footprint in the country.
Beyond Giants: Inveravante’s Involvement – The expansion wave is not limited to major hotel chains; even smaller hotels, such as Inveravante, are joining the trend. Inveravante has established five hotels in Tangier and Casablanca, contributing to the diversification of Morocco’s hotel landscape.
