Doha – Spanish tourists are increasingly choosing Morocco as their preferred destination to celebrate New Year’s Eve, according to recent data from GuruWalk’s analysis of booking trends between 2021 and 2024.
The study reveals that Africa, primarily driven by Morocco, now captures 3% of total Spanish holiday reservations, marking a significant rise from its minimal representation in 2021.
“Marrakech, Fez, Tangier, and Chefchaouen are now key destinations for those seeking different experiences,” reports Infobae, highlighting the country’s rapid emergence in Spanish travel preferences.
This shift comes as domestic bookings in Spain have plummeted from 60% in 2021 to just 22% in 2024.
The trend reflects a broader transformation in Spanish travel patterns. While Europe retains 92% of bookings for 2024 – down from 97% in 2021 – destinations beyond the continent are gaining traction.
“The search for authentic experiences is driving the choice of international destinations, and Morocco has managed to position itself as one of the most attractive options for New Year’s Eve 2024,” notes El Faro de Ceuta.
These Moroccan cities offer unique New Year celebrations featuring distinctive cultural experiences, including local music, dance, and festive atmospheres.
The preference for Moroccan destinations is part of a larger international trend, occurring alongside increased bookings to traditional European spots like Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.
According to GuruWalk’s analysis, this shift in Spanish holiday travel patterns indicates a growing appetite for culturally rich experiences outside traditional European destinations, with Morocco emerging as a leading beneficiary of this changing preference.
This growing Spanish preference aligns with Morocco’s broader tourism success, as the country welcomed nearly 16 million visitors by November, marking a 20% increase from the previous year.
Looking ahead, Morocco’s tourism sector is poised for further growth as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with projections targeting 26 million tourist arrivals that year.
Read also: Morocco Ranks Top Holiday Choice for Spanish Families
