International visitors represent, unlike the tourist destinations of the North (known for the most part for their seaside aspect), more than 80% of the total number of visitors recorded in the month of January.
Strong in its geographical position in the heart of the mountains as well as its typical natural and architectural heritage, the blue pearl has been able to attract a significant number of visitors again this year during the Christmas holidays. It continues to arouse enthusiasm in the aftermath of the end-of-year holidays, particularly from foreign tourists, even if it is at a low level compared to the peaks of the high season. These encouraging results constitute a reason for satisfaction for hoteliers, restaurateurs, and cafes, as well as representatives of other activities dependent on tourism. Unlike the majority of Moroccan destinations, Chefchaouen continues to attract foreign tourists at the beginning of the year from Europe, Asia, and America or Arab countries, who are seduced by the multiple natural and historical sites of the province. They represent more than 80% of the total number generally recorded in the month of January, as in February, both considered a low season period. The blue pearl has become an unmissable destination for visitors to the tourist areas of the North.
Improvement of attractiveness
Unlike other destinations in the North, known for the most part for their seaside aspect, Chefchaouen has been able to benefit from the rise in its popularity as the most popular tourist city during the year. Moreover, it has managed to distinguish itself several times among the most beautiful and authentic cities, according to the results of field surveys or ranking competitions carried out by international tourist guides, the specialized press, or famous online tourist platforms. These distinctions obtained over the years have played in favor of improving the tourist competitiveness of Chefchaouen, thus allowing it to attract visitors even in the low season, particularly during the two months of January and February and Ramadan.
Diversification of the tourist offer
Chefchaouen has launched several projects aimed at promoting the diversification of the tourist offer in its urban territory and its hinterland. It benefits, in addition to the upgrading of the Ras El Ma area (opened to the public in March 2024), from a development project for the natural site of Akchour, which is among the places most frequented by tourists. The blue pearl has also experienced, within the framework of highlighting the culinary asset of the region, the official opening in May 2024 of the House of the Mediterranean Diet, which is distinguished by its exhibition spaces and another for tasting, as well as a boutique offering local products. Thanks to its international tourist aspect, Chefchaouen is among the destinations planning to increase their hotel capacity, in order to be able to cope with the influx of national and international tourists to its territory. Moreover, like the main tourist cities, such as Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima, Fnideq, M’Diq, and Assilah, the region is counting a lot on the blue pearl to reach the goal of welcoming 700,000 tourists by 2026.
