Tourism in Marrakech in 2026 and Beyond: What’s Changing in Morocco (and Why It Matters to Visitors)

Marrakech has long been one of Morocco’s most visited cities. What’s changing now is not its appeal — but how smoothly and confidently the city operates as an international destination.

As Morocco moves toward the end of the decade, a combination of infrastructure investment, strategic tourism planning, and major global events is reshaping how visitors experience the country. For travelers planning to visit Marrakech in 2026 and beyond, the shift is already visible — and it is significant.

“We’re seeing a real change in how guests arrive, move, and settle into Marrakech,” says Natalia Bell, Director of Villa Montbel Marrakech.“The city feels more prepared, more organised, while still keeping its character.”

Marrakech’s Role in Morocco’s Long-Term Tourism Strategy

Morocco has taken a notably structured approach to tourism development. Rather than focusing purely on visitor numbers, national planning increasingly prioritises:

• accessibility

• service quality

• sustainability

• long-term destination value

  
  

Marrakech sits at the centre of this strategy. As Morocco’s most internationally recognised city, it has become the primary beneficiary of upgrades to transport, hospitality, and urban infrastructure.

“Marrakech has always attracted visitors,” Bell explains.“What’s different now is the intent to support that demand properly — with better systems, better training, and better flow.”

The result is a city that feels less improvised and more coherent, without losing its cultural depth.

FIFA World Cup 2030: Impact Before the Event, Not After

Morocco’s role as a co-host of the FIFA World Cup 2030 is already reshaping the country’s tourism infrastructure — years before the first match is played.

Preparations include:

• airport expansions and modernisation

• improved road and transport networks

• upgraded public spaces

• stricter hospitality and safety standards

  
  

These changes are permanent. They raise the baseline quality of travel nationwide.

“People assume the benefits come in 2030,” says Bell.“In reality, guests visiting in 2025 or 2026 are already experiencing the improvements.”

For Marrakech, this means smoother arrivals, clearer logistics, and a city increasingly accustomed to hosting large-scale international travel — without yet feeling overwhelmed.

High-Speed Rail and Easier Movement Across Morocco

Transport connectivity is another key shift influencing tourism.

The Al Boraq high-speed rail line has already changed how visitors move between major Moroccan cities. Ongoing expansion and improved connections continue to reduce travel time and fatigue.

This is quietly changing visitor behaviour:

• travelers combine multiple cities more easily

• trips last longer

• itineraries feel less rushed

“Guests are no longer choosing between cities,” Bell notes.“They’re arriving through one hub, departing from another, and spending more time in Marrakech because it’s easier to integrate.”

A Shift Toward Quality Tourism in Marrakech

Perhaps the most meaningful change is philosophical.

Marrakech is gradually moving away from high-volume, transactional tourism toward experience-driven travel. This includes:

• greater emphasis on private villas and small-scale accommodation

• more curated cultural experiences

• improved regulation of hospitality services

• stronger protection of historic and natural sites

  
  

For visitors, this translates into a more refined experience without sterilising the city.

“The goal isn’t to make Marrakech feel polished in a generic way,” Bell says.“It’s to make it easier to enjoy what already exists.”

What Travelers Can Expect in Marrakech in 2026

Visitors planning travel to Marrakech in 2026 can realistically expect:

• faster airport arrivals and departures

• clearer transport infrastructure

• higher hospitality service standards

• better-trained tourism professionals

• more choice in accommodation and experiences

  
  

Importantly, these improvements support — rather than replace — the city’s identity. The souks, gardens, riads, and traditions remain central, but the surrounding systems function more smoothly.

Why 2026–2028 Is an Ideal Window to Visit Marrakech

Experienced travelers often look for timing advantages.

The years leading up to 2030 represent a particularly favourable period:

• infrastructure upgrades largely completed

• service standards elevated

• global tourism attention still ramping up

“There’s a sweet spot before global events peak,” Bell observes.“Right now, Marrakech feels confident but not crowded — that won’t always be the case.”

For weddings, family travel, extended stays, and destination experiences, this window offers balance: authenticity with comfort.

Marrakech, Evolving Without Losing Its Identity

Marrakech has always absorbed change without losing its rhythm. The current transformation follows that pattern — layering modern infrastructure onto historic foundations rather than replacing them.

For visitors in 2026 and beyond, Marrakech remains what it has always been: rich, sensory, and human — now supported by systems that better match its global appeal.