Fez — Saïdia Mediterrania reported a stronger summer season this year, with rising visitor numbers, new tourism partnerships and additions to its leisure offer, according to a press release issued on October 15.
Across the wider Saïdia tourism area, classified accommodation establishments recorded an occupancy rate of 79% in August, up 19 percentage points from the same month last year. Arrivals increased by more than half, the release said.
The figures accompany a season in which the resort expanded its holiday options and pursued partnerships aimed at attracting visitors from several European markets.
French arrivals more than double
French visitors played a prominent role in the season’s growth. Across the Oriental region, arrivals from France more than doubled in August, making France the region’s leading foreign source market, according to the release.
That increase coincided with Saïdia Mediterrania’s first year of collaboration with TUI France, which opened two holiday clubs at the resort. Saïdia became the operator’s third destination region in Morocco.
Meanwhile, French tour operator FRAM completed its second season at the destination, strengthening its presence.
The regional figures provide context for the resort’s international ambitions, although they cover the Oriental region as a whole rather than Saïdia Mediterrania alone.
Building connections in Germany and the Netherlands
The Société de Développement Saïdia (SDS) also pursued opportunities in Germany and the Netherlands, laying the groundwork for future seasons.
Discussions initiated at the ITB Berlin tourism fair in March continued in June, when the resort hosted seven German tour operators alongside the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT).
In the Netherlands, a mission held on the sidelines of the KLM Open opened discussions with travel operators and investors.
The release presents these initiatives as preparations for attracting new visitors in the coming seasons. It does not announce confirmed visitor targets or new agreements resulting from those meetings.
A first cinema and busier summer evenings
On site, the two new holiday clubs broadened the accommodation options available to visitors.
Médina Mall Saïdia also recorded a 15% increase in footfall, according to the release, which describes the shopping and leisure venue as a gathering point for summer evenings.
The opening of the resort’s first cinema added another activity to the destination’s entertainment offer, extending the choices available beyond its beach and marina.
Environmental recognition and autumn stays
Saïdia Mediterrania also reported becoming the first project in Africa to receive HQE™ Aménagement Durable certification at the “Bilan et Capitalisation” phase, which focuses on assessment and lessons learned.
Its beach and marina retained their Blue Flag recognition for the 14th and 10th years, respectively, according to the release.
The destination is now looking beyond the summer peak, with autumn stays already on offer. Its next step is to turn the season’s stronger attendance and new international contacts into demand across a longer stretch of the year.
