Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025: An Unprecedented Sports Glow and Economic and Touristic Revival in Agadir
Amin Chaab
Dalila Chaibi, an activist and expert in tourism affairs in the Souss-Massa region, affirmed that Morocco’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 serves as a genuine catalyst for promoting Agadir as a tourist destination. It also reflects the growing stature the Kingdom has attained regionally and internationally, both in sports and tourism as well as economically.
Chaibi noted that the arrival of African teams in Agadir has allowed them to witness firsthand the significant development in tourism infrastructure. She highlighted that providing a separate hotel for each team is a remarkable precedent, clearly demonstrating the strength of Morocco’s tourism offerings and its capability to meet the highest international standards.
She added that the city is experiencing a tangible economic and tourism revival across various sectors in conjunction with the tournament. Both citizens and visitors can observe the unprecedented activity in commercial markets, cafes, and tourist restaurants, alongside a notable influx of foreigners to green spaces that have become popular spots for those looking to enjoy the city’s beauty and natural resources.
According to Chaibi, this momentum is not limited to traditional sectors; it also encompasses seasonal commercial activities directly linked to the sporting event, such as selling jerseys, sports badges, and products associated with the participating teams, in addition to a surge in interest in traditional crafts.
In this context, a traditional crafts fair was organized in downtown Agadir, aiming to support this economic activity. The fair has transformed into an attractive venue for visitors and tourists, serving as a rich introduction to the features and variety of traditional products from the Souss-Massa region.
Dalila Chaibi confirmed that there has been a noticeable increase in demand for the Agadir-Souss-Massa destination from travel agencies, which find in the region a comprehensive tourism offer combining beach, mountains, and hinterland areas. She believes this diversity is the secret to the destination’s success and uniqueness. Additionally, she emphasized that the passion and ambition of industry professionals are fundamental factors in elevating Agadir to the status of major tourist destinations and enhancing its international and regional appeal.
