AGP Executive Report

Ceuta Border Crisis & Protests: Tens of thousands of Spaniards hit the streets across cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville on Sept. 2 as the Ceuta migrant crisis drags on, with clashes reported after rallies and renewed anger at PM Pedro Sánchez’s handling. Spain-Morocco Tensions: Sánchez told parliament there is “no solid proof” Morocco orchestrated the July surge, while also revealing Spain urged King Felipe VI to visit Ceuta and Melilla—an issue critics say could inflame relations. Humanitarian Pressure: Reports say around 5,000 people remain in Ceuta on streets and beaches, with local authorities and prosecutors citing ongoing security and social strain. Tourism Angle—Morocco Demand Signals: On the brighter travel side, Morocco’s tourism and travel receipts continue to strengthen, with remittances up and travel receipts rising in 2026 figures, while easyJet announced a winter sale adding Rabat as a new route from the UK. Digital Travel Marketing: A new look at how Instagram is reshaping Morocco’s visitor trade shows travelers increasingly decide destinations via social feeds before booking.

Ceuta Crisis & Protests: Tens of thousands rallied across Spain on Ceuta Day, with crowds in Madrid and other cities demanding a return to normality and pushing for migrants to be sent back, as Spain’s government faces mounting anger over its handling of the July border surge from Morocco that left thousands still stranded. Border Accountability: Spain’s interior ministry denied a police report alleging Moroccan orchestration of the Ceuta crossings, even as other Spanish police findings described “total permissiveness” at the border and a coordinated digital push via social media and WhatsApp. Travel & Legal Watch: The European Commission confirmed the EU-Morocco aviation deal doesn’t apply to flights to Western Sahara, reinforcing the territory’s separate legal status. Morocco Travel Demand: Rabat-Sale Airport handled nearly 1.45 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026, up 16.06%, while Morocco’s airports overall topped 22.28 million passengers in the same period. Tourism Business: Morocco’s Souss-Massa region certified 55 tourism businesses for sustainable tourism practices. On the Road: A ferry-port tragedy in Algeciras killed a Moroccan mother and daughter after their car plunged into the sea while they were traveling to board a Tangier ferry.

Morocco Travel & Air: Airports of Morocco says the 2026 summer season hit historic highs, including 46,439 passengers in 24 hours at Casablanca Mohammed V, plus record peaks at Marrakech, Rabat-Salé, Agadir and Tangier, with Dakhla and Tetouan up sharply—part of the “Airports 2030” push. Tourism Demand: Morocco’s tourism momentum stays strong, with reports of revenue growth and rising visitor numbers in 2026, including GCC interest. Desert Stays: A Merzouga Sahara camp experience is spotlighted as a must-do overnight in Morocco’s dunes. Ceuta Crisis Spillover: Spain’s Ceuta migrant turmoil continues to dominate headlines, with protests and EU-level accusations of disinformation—an ongoing regional issue that can affect travel sentiment and border planning. Cruise & Routes: Celestyal is shifting its winter focus to the Mediterranean, adding Tangier, Morocco, as a new stop—good news for Morocco-linked cruise itineraries. Family Travel Trends: Jet2 flags rising multigenerational holiday bookings, with Morocco among top destinations. Trade Incentives: Intrepid marks National Travel Agent Day with rewards that include Morocco trip giveaways.

Tourism Finance: Morocco’s travel receipts climbed 13.4% to MAD 79.01 billion through July, with travel-services surplus up 15.7% to MAD 59.08 billion, as visitor numbers and overnight stays kept rising. Air Travel Demand: Airports of Morocco reported 22.28 million passengers in the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77%), led by Casablanca Mohammed V and Marrakech-Menara, with European traffic driving international growth. GCC Momentum: Morocco is seeing faster interest from Gulf travellers, with 9.4 million visitors in H1 2026 (+6%) and Morocco ranking among top-searched destinations for Saudi travellers—boosted by Atlantic coast resorts and wellness offerings. Desert Tourism Spotlight: A Merzouga Sahara camp experience is highlighted for camel treks, Berber hospitality, and stargazing in Erg Chebbi dunes. Spain-Ceuta Fallout (Border & Safety): Spain’s Ceuta crisis remains in the spotlight, with reports of daily sexual assaults and police identifying jihadism-linked backgrounds among some entrants—while Madrid signals King Felipe VI’s possible visit to Ceuta/Melilla, a move that could further strain Morocco-Spain relations.

Tourism Demand: Morocco welcomed 9.4m tourists in H1 2026, up 6%, with growing GCC interest boosting searches and bookings beyond traditional European markets. Air & Connectivity: Moroccan airports handled 22.28m passengers in the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77%), led by Casablanca and Marrakech, with Europe driving most international traffic. Cruise & Leisure: Cunard unveiled 2027 World Voyages shore experiences, including a maiden call to Casablanca, while Celestyal expands winter Mediterranean itineraries from Dec 2027. Hospitality Awards: The World’s 50 Best Hotels released its extended 51–100 list ahead of the Sept 15 reveal in Paris. Morocco in the Spotlight: A new Morocco Design festival is set to launch in Casablanca in October, aiming to position Moroccan design on the global stage. Regional Travel Context: Spain and Italy extended border controls over the Ceuta migrant crisis, keeping travel disruptions in the spotlight.

Sustainable Tourism: Morocco’s Souss-Massa region has launched the Kingdom’s first regional sustainable tourism certification, with 55 businesses already certified, focusing on water management and energy efficiency. Rail & Travel Disruption: ONCF will adjust train schedules for the Kenitra–Marrakech high-speed rail works, with changes starting Sept 5–6 and further impacts on several lines, plus shuttle bus replacements for the Airport TNR link. Design Tourism Push: Casablanca is set to host “Morocco Design,” a three-day citywide festival in October aimed at positioning the city as a global design destination beyond Marrakesh. Luxury Travel Trends: New Virtuoso-backed reporting points to 2027 growth in luxury travel, with more transformative experiences, especially cruising, and “fall is the new summer” momentum. Ceuta Fallout (Spain–Morocco): Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez ruled out Moroccan involvement in the Ceuta migrant crisis, blaming Russia/Israel-linked disinformation, while Spain and Italy keep extending border checks in tit-for-tat measures. Morocco–Europe Travel Context: The Ceuta dispute is also driving wider uncertainty for travelers across the Schengen area as checks continue into mid-September.

Ceuta Crisis & Border Travel: Spain’s PM Pedro Sánchez says there’s no evidence Morocco was behind last month’s mass crossings into Ceuta, while pointing to EU research that Russian and Israeli networks helped spread disinformation about migrants’ ability to stay in Spain. Schengen Disruption: Italy has extended Schengen-linked border checks with Spain for 15 more days (until mid-September), and Spain is keeping reciprocal air/sea checks in place, prolonging passport controls for travellers. On-the-Ground Tensions: Reports describe Ceuta residents’ fear and anger as thousands of migrants remain in limbo, with clashes and camp burnings adding to a volatile situation. Luxury Travel Spotlight (Morocco): A TV feature highlights The Royal Mansour in Marrakesh among the world’s most exclusive hotels, with suites reportedly reaching £30,000 a night. Morocco Tourism Angle: Morocco’s tourism visibility also gets a boost from the spotlight on Marrakesh’s top-tier hospitality.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Spain is seeking EU help as thousands remain in the North African enclave after mass arrivals from Morocco in late July, with Frontex support requested to speed up screening and processing; tensions have also sparked protests and clashes, including arrests of Moroccan migrants after stone-throwing at Spanish soldiers. Ceuta Recovery Funding: Spain plans a €165m emergency package for Ceuta’s recovery, including €150m for direct economic support and €15m for education, healthcare and justice, with trade and tourism hit hardest. Morocco Tourism Spotlight: A family-friendly guide highlights Morocco’s summer escape options—Agadir for calm beach time, plus Tiout and nearby adventures—aimed at travelers looking for easy, memorable trips. Mogador Resort Investment: Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris says he will invest €200m over five years to finally build the long-stalled Mogador resort near Essaouira, using the El Gouna model. Morocco Sports Abroad: Moroccan forward Yassine Gessime scored twice as Strasbourg earned their first Ligue 1 win, while Zakaria El Ouahdi is reportedly close to a permanent move to Hamburger SV. Morocco in Global Diplomacy: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI’s month ends with an AU summit in Luanda as Rabat continues to secure international backing on Western Sahara.

Ceuta Security & Migration: Spain arrested four Moroccan migrants in Ceuta for throwing stones at a patrol of Spanish soldiers; one soldier fell and was injured during the pursuit. It follows earlier arrests of 12 Moroccans for stoning a military vehicle, with 11 later deported to Morocco. EU Support for Processing: Madrid has asked the EU for help via Frontex to screen and process about 5,000 migrants believed to remain in Ceuta, including unaccompanied minors, and requested extra Frontex officers to speed up identification. Ceuta Recovery Funding: Spain plans a €165m emergency package for Ceuta’s recovery, adding to a €180m medium-term plan, with money earmarked for local economic support and boosting trade and tourism. Morocco Travel Inspiration: A family-focused guide highlights Morocco’s summer options, spotlighting Agadir for beach time and easy activities, plus nearby adventures. Resort Investment: Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris says he will invest €200m over five years to revive the unfinished Mogador resort near Essaouira, aiming for around 800 rooms in the first phase. Sports & Morocco Abroad: Strasbourg’s Moroccan forward Yassine Gessime scored twice as the club earned its first Ligue 1 win of the season.

Ceuta Migration Fallout: Fresh protests in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta turned into clashes with police as residents blocked Red Cross aid and stormed beach camps, with belongings set on fire and tensions rising over thousands of migrants still there after the July 30–31 crossings from Morocco. Border Security & EU Help: Spain has asked Frontex, Europol and the EU Asylum Agency to step up screening and processing for an estimated 5,000–8,000 people remaining, including adding officers and support for interviews and interpretation. Violence on the Ground: New incidents reported include stone attacks on soldiers near Chorrillo/Foso Real, leading to arrests of Moroccan nationals; authorities say some detainees have been expelled and more returns are being pursued. Ceuta Day Spotlight: September 2 is Ceuta’s City Day, with nationwide gatherings planned—an event now unfolding amid the migration crisis and renewed political pressure. Morocco Tourism Context: While the headlines are dominated by Ceuta, Morocco’s wider travel pull remains visible in the week’s coverage, from Morocco’s growing airport passenger numbers to ongoing interest in Moroccan destinations and itineraries.

Ceuta Security & Migration: Spain says 5,000–8,000 migrants still remain in Ceuta after the late-July mass crossing from Morocco, and has asked the EU for help from Frontex, Europol and the EU Asylum Agency to speed up screening, interviews and returns processing. Ceuta Violence Update: A new stone attack injured a sergeant and led to four arrests near Chorrillo beach, following another incident in Benzú where most detainees were expelled to Morocco. Morocco Travel Demand: Morocco’s airports handled 22.28M passengers in the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77%), with Casablanca and Marrakech leading, and Europe driving most international growth. Morocco–Vietnam Trade Link: Vietnam says Morocco is a gateway for Vietnamese goods into North Africa, with trade up strongly in 2025 and continuing to rise in early 2026. Morocco Tourism & Wellness Angle: Hilton highlights “hushpitality” and quiet luxury trips, including a reading-retreat style travel trend that fits Morocco’s slower, calmer experiences. Morocco in the Spotlight: King Mohammed VI sent condolences to China and Nepal after deadly flash floods and mudslides.

Ceuta Crisis: Furious Spanish residents in the enclave of Ceuta torched a makeshift migrant camp on the beach, throwing belongings into the sea as police formed a barrier; Spain’s interior minister urged calm after clashes and arrests tied to the July border rush from Morocco. EU Support for Screening: Spain has asked the EU for help to process migrants still in Ceuta, requesting Frontex support (including 10 extra officers) plus EU asylum and policing help to speed up individual screening and interviews. Public Order Pressure: Ceuta authorities say more riot police are being deployed after protests, while some migrants and residents have clashed with security forces and aid deliveries. Morocco Travel Momentum: Morocco’s airports handled 22.28M passengers in the first seven months of 2026 (+8.77%), with Casablanca and Marrakech leading, signaling continued demand for flights into the kingdom. Morocco Stray Animal Law: Morocco introduced new rules on feeding and caring for stray animals, with fines up to 2,000 dirhams for unauthorised help in public spaces. Wellness Travel Trend: A “quiet luxury” push is driving demand for low-noise, peace-and-recharge trips, including reading retreats in Morocco.

Stray Animal Rules: Morocco’s new Law No. 19.25 on stray animal protection and care is now in force, with fines up to 2,000 dirhams for unauthorised feeding, sheltering or treatment in public spaces—though groups warn confusion remains until implementing regulations are published. Ceuta Crisis Turns Violent: In Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, protests tied to the July influx of migrants from Morocco have escalated into clashes with police, including burning of migrant shelters and repeated attempts to block Red Cross food deliveries; authorities say several thousand migrants still remain, while 12 Moroccan nationals were detained after an attack on a military vehicle. Security Data Leak Claims: A Telegram-posted spreadsheet leak claims to list around 70,000 people linked to Morocco’s police and intelligence services, including identity and bank details, though it has not been authenticated. Western Sahara Diplomacy: Morocco continues scoring diplomatic wins in Latin America, with Colombia reportedly recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and pledging expanded cooperation. Tourism Angle (Tangier): A travel feature spotlights Tangier’s historic Café Hafa, a long-standing stop for visitors drawn to the city’s Strait of Gibraltar views and legacy. Sports & Travel Interest: Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi transfer buzz and broader European football streaming changes may pull extra attention from fans planning travel around matches.

Ceuta Crisis Escalates: Protests in Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta turned violent again this week, with residents clashing with police and trying to block Red Cross aid to migrants camped on Benítez and Trampolín beaches. Humanitarian Aid Blocked: Demonstrators staged sit-ins, waved Spanish flags, and demanded the Red Cross leave, while police used tear gas to prevent confrontations. Security Shock: Tensions spiked after a military vehicle carrying four soldiers was “ambushed” by about 70 migrants; 12 Moroccan nationals were arrested and one soldier suffered minor injuries. Tourism & Politics Watch: International media also highlighted the Western Sahara dispute, pointing to tourism and investment efforts in places like Dakhla amid UN decolonization concerns. Morocco-India Trade: Morocco and India agreed to double bilateral trade over five years and set up a joint working group on a possible preferential deal. Travel Deals for Morocco: TUI is launching holidays to Fez, Rabat and Tangier, with September temperatures often above 30C. Morocco Spotlight in Sports: Morocco coach Ouahbi plans a European tour ahead of AFCON qualifiers, meeting Europe-based players before naming his squad.

Morocco’s Reputation Boost: Morocco climbed to 27th globally and ranks first in Africa and the Arab world in the 2026 RepCore Nations report, improving perceptions across technology, public resource management and international sporting achievements. Travel Tech Update: easyJet and Ryanair passengers are being warned to check whether their departure airports accept mobile boarding passes—Rabat Sale and Marrakech are among the easyJet non-compatible airports, while Ryanair still allows online check-in but requires a printed pass in Morocco. Tourism & Mobility Context: a new report highlights Africa’s tourism growth, with Morocco cited for 14% growth in arrivals, while experts stress that better air access and accommodation investment are key to sustaining momentum. Ceuta Spillover for Travelers: protests and clashes in Spain’s Ceuta—linked to the Morocco-driven migrant crisis—continue to disrupt the wider region’s travel and border atmosphere, with Spain accelerating asylum and return measures. Morocco Football on the Move: national coach Mohamed Ouahbi is reportedly planning a European tour ahead of announcing his AFCON qualifiers squad, with a camp set to begin Sept 21. On-the-ground Morocco Tourism Angle: Tanger Med is preparing for peak Marhaba 2026 return flows, with warnings of late-August wait times during the busiest period.

Morocco Reputation Boost: Casablanca climbed to 27th globally in the 2026 RepCore Nations report, topping Africa and the Arab world, with gains tied to technology perception, public resource management, and international sporting achievements. Tourism & Culture: Qatar Museums unveiled “Ektashif: Uzbekistan,” opening Sept. 3 at the Museum of Islamic Art, featuring seven Qatari artists inspired by travel through Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara—continuing an Ektashif program that previously sent artists to Morocco. Travel Safety Watch: An inquest in the UK heard that an unidentified man died after being found in the landing gear compartment of an Air Arabia flight from Tangier to Gatwick, with hypoxia and extreme cold cited. Aviation & Connectivity: Morocco’s critical-minerals push is also gaining momentum, with reports highlighting increased activity around titanium and antimony projects as the country strengthens its role in global supply chains. Sports Tourism Angle: CAF inspection uncertainty in Liberia’s AFCON qualifier has sparked reports that some home fixtures could be moved to Morocco due to venue certification concerns.