In pictures: Morocco, a travel destination with extremes

Morocco is working towards the World Cup

2030 is a special year for the Moroccan kingdom: it will host the World Cup together with Spain and Portugal. The nation has been in football fever for years. The women's and men's teams are getting better and better, and the country is hoping for more and more sports tourism.

In December 2025. the country hosts the Africa Cup of Nations

The most important continental football event will also be held in Morocco at the end of 2025. According to a survey published in Footboom1, more than half of Moroccans believe that the country is well prepared to host the Africa Cup of Nations, CAN 2025, which will take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.

The biggest soccer stadium in the world

The largest football temple in the world, with 115,000 seats, is currently being planned for the World Cup in Casablanca.

Where futurism and tradition meet

The stadium is named after Hassan II, the father of the current King Mohammed VI. His picture hangs in every petrol station, shop, and hotel in Morocco. Criticism of his person and his wealth is forbidden.

High-speed train from Tangier to Agadir

Despite the deficits in freedom of expression, the country has made enormous progress. Not only football but also the new high-speed train from Tangier to Casablanca (and soon to Agadir) is set to further boost the country's tourism.

3 hours from Tangier to Marrakesh

The journey time from Tangier to Marrakesh will then be only about 3 hours at a top speed of 320 km/h. The train, which already runs between Tangier and Casablanca, is a first in Africa.

Infrastructure expansion meets historic traffic

The chaotic traffic in Morocco, even in tourist centers like Agadir, is not exactly suitable for rental car drivers. Donkeys suddenly appear between cars. Apart from the new high-speed lines and bus lines, there is hardly any public transport.

Road transport could be better

Moroccans love the hustle and bustle, even on the streets. They are not afraid of an accident. Taking a shared taxi with locals is a cheap alternative to renting a car for tourists. Otherwise, driving is only recommended for very good chauffeurs who don't let themselves get upset.

Morocco's tourism still promises adventure

The friendly hustle and bustle in the cities, on the beach, and in the markets is what makes Morocco special. It is currently the number one holiday destination in Africa because of its diversity and cultural wealth. 17.4 million visitors came to the country in 2024, according to the Spanish online medium Atalayar.

Moroccans try to protect the coasts

Unlike in other Mediterranean countries, you can still feel the wildness and exoticism here on the coast. Not everything has been subjected to business and Western values. There are no international chain restaurants or huge hotels on the beachfront.

Muslim country but welcoming to other faiths

The people have not lost their identity due to the growth of international tourism. Unlike in Algeria, Moroccans do not fear foreigners of different faiths but generally welcome them with friendliness and patience.

But: no drinking

At the same time, the Moroccan government will never subordinate its own values to tourism, nor will it aim for mass tourism. This means that there is almost no a l c 0 h 0 l available outside of hotels.

A country of contradictions

Nevertheless, there are always oases of lust, even in Morocco. Non-hetero love is forbidden, but it is practiced behind the doors of clubs in holiday areas such as Marrakesh and offered for money. The country is also one of the largest h a s h 1 s h producers in the world, although possession and consumption are prohibited. The Mecca for c a n n a b 1 s is in the north of the country.

Tangier and Sahara, stepping stones to Europe

Morocco's tourism indirectly employs around a million people. However, there are still many Moroccans who cross to Spain by boat irregularly because they want more than their country offers them. Tangier is a popular springboard to Europe.

Photo: Stefanie Claudia Müller / Showbizz Daily

Migration

Some people also want to escape the religious coercion and moral control of the state. To prevent massive emigration from Morocco, the EU and UN are investing in tourism and economic infrastructure.

A European partner - despite all democratic deficits

Development through tourism is the motto, European institutions say. The continent is counting on Morocco as a reference partner in Africa, even if it has democratic deficits. Compared to Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt, the country is relatively safe and stable.

Photo: Stefanie Claudia Müller / Showbizz Daily

Strong performance against Islamic terrorism

Morocco has a clear advantage over Tunisia, believes Spanish Maghreb expert Ignacio Cembrero: "It is safer and more politically stable - despite its democratic deficits and lack of press freedom." The deeply religious country has been fighting Islamist terrorism for years, and the police punish crimes of all kinds very harshly.

Connection with India

In Africa, the multi-ethnic state of Morocco has become the preferred destination for many different cultures from all over the world, including Indians. In fact, there will soon be a direct flight connection to India, the country reports.

Tourism is becoming more professional

Regarding the World Cup, Morocco still has to meet certain social and economic requirements, including more rights for women and the professionalization of tourism. The country is on the right track, even if there is still a lot to be done in terms of food hygiene to boost the tourist industry.

Photo: Stefanie Claudia Müller / Showbizz Daily

An issue: animal protection

The exoticism and wildness of the country attract tourists, but they are also the origin of many traditions that are oppressive from today's perspective.  Here we see the Mata horse race near Tangier. Centuries-old customs meet increasingly modern and cosmopolitan cities with internationally educated young people whose lifestyles are moving away from the village population.

Photo: Stefanie Claudia Müller / Showbizz Daily

Luxury and golf tourism

Nevertheless, the mix of luxury and adventure makes the country a popular travel destination - especially from autumn to spring. It is also popular as a golf paradise, especially around Agadir and Rabat, here at the 'Trophy Hassan II 2025'.

Morocco's people impress with their friendliness

Although the political culture does not yet favor democracy and equality in many areas, the men and women in Morocco impress tourists with their language skills and good upbringing. Many speak Arabic, French, and English. This is also why Morocco is very popular with young people and hippies from all over the world.

Beaches are not crowded

In comparison to neighboring Spain, Morocco is not only much cheaper, but it also offers much more peace and a real cultural experience for those who want to get involved and speak French or Arabic.

Ideal for water sports enthusiasts

In February, it gets cold at night in Agadir, but very hot at midday. On the beaches, tourists mingle with women who are mostly veiled but very open and friendly, and there is not one lounger next to another. Morocco has become a surfer and a golfer's paradise. Agadir and Taghazout are among the strongholds of surf culture.

Poverty alongside tourist attractions

However, tourists must be prepared to see beggars and a level of poverty that is foreign to Westerners, even in rising tourist places like Agadir. Morocco is a country of extreme contrasts.

Shopping in Morocco

Morocco wants to set the tone in the Maghreb but is dependent on Europe and its tourists. To attract more Western travelers, the Moroccan tourist office has instructed the oriental bazaars not to haggle aggressively with tourists. This also applies to other services outside the Medina. Prices should be transparently disclosed. In cities like Tangier and Agadir, special prices for tourists in taxis or restaurants are also prohibited.

No pressure from dromedaries

Even when riding dromedaries through the dunes of the Souss Massa Nature Park near Agadir, as in this photo, you'll experience less haggling and pressure to spend more. This, according to correspondent Stefanie Müller, makes vacations in Morocco more pleasant than in other African countries.

Photo: Stefanie Claudia Müller / Showbizz Daily

Morocco's biggest problem: water

However, the country cannot grow indefinitely. The country's big problem is that there is no water. It hasn't rained in Agadir for 5 years. The hotels still offer green oases that are irrigated with desalinated seawater - an expensive affair.

Environmental issues

Even if water is still wasted in some places, cities like Agadir are now relatively clean, and the air is relatively pure. More and more Moroccans are cycling. But there is still a lot to be done, including the use of animals in tourism, which are often not managed properly.

Other concerns: construction frenzy and high prices for locals

With the World Cup and the growing tourism in Morocco in mind, theaters, shopping centers, and opera houses are being built everywhere, even though there is no local demand or money for them. Some buildings, such as the opera house in Rabat, are simply empty. Only a few people can afford the tickets.

Locals cannot afford the tourist prices anymore

The prices in the markets and bazaars are enormous compared to the supermarkets. They have also gone up for the locals because visitors from Europe are willing to pay them.

Fruit sold on the beach

Moroccan gastronomy is very popular with tourists. It is also based on a rich agriculture with lots of vegetables and fruit. The sellers of tea and fruit on the beach, like this man in Agadir, present their products to visitors.

Photo: Stefanie Claudia Müller / Showbizz Daily