Morocco’s hospitality reform: from ambition to architecture

In our previous article, we looked at how Morocco’s selection as a host country for the 2030 FIFA World Cup was helping to drive new interest and investment in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Since then, the Moroccan government has taken an important step by putting in place a new legal framework. In May 2025 (arrêtés), five decrees were published to reform the national classification system for tourist accommodation. The goal is clear: to make the rules more transparent, raise quality standards, and support new investment.

This isn’t just a technical update. It changes how hotels, riads, guesthouses and other accommodation types are rated, operated, and positioned in the market. For owners, operators, and investors, it’s time to take a closer look at what this means for their business plans.

 

What changed: new rules and scoring system

On 27 May 2025, Morocco published five new decrees (arrêtés) in Official Bulletin No. 7047 bis, giving effect to law 80-14 relating to tourist establishments and other forms of tourist accommodation. These texts introduce a national classification system based on a detailed scoring model. Hotels and other accommodation types are now rated based on a mix of mandatory and optional criteria. To keep or upgrade their star rating, operators must meet 100% of the mandatory rules and at least 70% of the optional ones. The scoring system goes up to 800 points.

The new rules also bring in a five-year renewal cycle for existing establishments and a seven-year audit cycle for new ones. Forms and procedures have been standardised to ensure more consistency in how classifications are handled.

 

What operators need to know

The reform places strong emphasis on customer service and digital tools. Hotels are now expected to offer online booking in at least two languages, with a fast and simple reservation process. Phone bookings must be available 24/7 and answered within five rings.

Security is also a key area. Video surveillance, controlled access, and uniformed staff are now part of the basic requirements. Depending on the star level, establishments must also provide services such as multilingual reception, parking, luggage handling, and gardens.

 

Challenges ahead

While the new system gives clear direction, putting it into practice may be difficult for smaller operators. Upgrading infrastructure and digital systems can be costly, especially for riads and guesthouses. Administrative requirements and regular audits may also be a challenge for those without in-house legal or compliance teams.

Some new formats like eco-lodges or glamping are not yet fully covered by the new rules, leaving grey areas for operators. The structure of the scoring model, especially its strict division between mandatory and optional criteria, can also be seen as too rigid for more creative or unconventional hospitality projects.

 

New rules for real estate-driven hospitality

One important part of the reform is the introduction of the awaited norms for the attached real estate residences (résidences immobilières adossées à un établissement d'hébérgement touristique or résidences immobilières adossées (RIA)). These are mixed-use or residential tourism projects, such as branded residences and resort-style developments. RIAs are now subject to specific construction, safety, and service standards. For developers and investors, this provides more legal certainty and opens the door to new types of tourism-focused real estate projects.

 

Tourism performance shows strong momentum

The timing of this reform aligns with positive trends in the sector. Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists in 2024, a 20% increase from 2023 and 35% higher than 2019 levels. Tourism revenue reached 97 billion dirhams (around USD9.7 billion), with growth driven by both international arrivals and higher spending.

The national tourism board (ONMT) is targeting 17.5 million tourists by 2026 and 26 million by 2030, aiming to place Morocco among the top 15 global destinations. These figures reinforce the importance of having a clear, modern classification system.

 

Next steps for owners and investors

Hotel owners and operators should take time to review the new scoring criteria and assess where upgrades or changes may be needed. This includes digital tools, service delivery, and staff training. Investors should look at how existing assets align with the new rules and whether repositioning or new development could offer value. RIAs are likely to become a growing segment, particularly for those looking at long-term hospitality and real estate investments.

 

Conclusion

This new classification reform helps turn Morocco’s tourism strategy into a more structured and predictable legal framework. It reflects a clear ambition to improve quality and attract serious investment. But with the two-year compliance period now underway, owners and investors will need to act quickly to adapt. The question is: will these projects be ready to meet the new standard in time?