Seasonal Concentration of Hotel Demand in Morocco: A Breakdown by Nationalities

Abstract

Abstract

Morocco has emerged as a leading tourist destination in Africa, due to the diversity of its landscapes, its rich cultural heritage, and its appeal to tourists, particularly for its large cities and seaside resorts but despite its strategic position, the country’s tourism sector remains characterized by a high concentration of demand during certain periods of the year. This study aims to examine the seasonal concentration of hotel demand in Morocco, using monthly data on tourist arrivals and overnight stays from 2000 to 2019, by applying a decomposition of the Gini index by source market to identify each market’s contribution and its marginal effect on overall seasonal concentration. The study’s results reveal a strong seasonal concentration in the domestic market, particularly during the summer months, while for the international market, certain segments accentuate seasonality, whereas others help mitigate it. These findings allow for the formulation of tailored recommendations for each segment to ensure a well-balanced tourism policy. This article stands out for its dual spatial and segmented approach, which distinguishes between domestic and international demand patterns and provides a detailed analysis of seasonal imbalances, while adopting a tourism management approach focused on leveraging the off-season and diversifying markets.

Keywords: Seasonality, Gini index, Morocco, Seasonal concentration, Tourism