For the Maghreb diaspora, such dear holidays in the country

In recent years, Moroccans living abroad have mainly complained about the high cost of plane tickets during the summer season, the most popular time to return home. Now, they also say they are affected by the rising cost of accommodation, notes the pan-Arab news site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed . Overnight stays in hotels, restaurants, and even cafes in tourist towns are adding to the cost.

According to industry professionals, the diaspora returning home during the summer are experiencing price increases much more than foreign tourists, particularly Europeans, who benefit from competitive prices thanks to organized tours. Professionals estimate that a stay for a Moroccan resident abroad can easily cost twice as much as that of a foreign tourist.

These price increases, however, do not yet seem to discourage expatriates: since the beginning of summer 2025, 1.5 million have flocked to Morocco, which represents an increase of 13.3% compared to the 2024 season, notes Al-Araby Al-Jadeed . According to the latest reports, of the 17.4 million tourists who visited Morocco in 2024, nearly half (8.6 million) were Moroccans living abroad.

In Tunisia, the situation is almost identical, as Tunisians living abroad, upon returning to the country, are faced with unaffordable hotel prices, explains Independent Arabia .

A situation that is forcing many to abandon the idea of staying in a hotel in a tourist city. The worst of the situation: Tunisians living abroad are prohibited from benefiting from the same rates as tourists from their country of residence, that is, stays in 4-star hotels for less than $330 for a full week (around €283).

“Upon arrival in Tunisia, they are subject to the rates applied to tourists residing in Tunisian territory, which reach 250 to 300 dollars per night for the same category of hotel,” writes the pan-Arab news site.

For the Algerian diaspora, the cost of the plane ticket remains the main concern, especially for those who leave it to the last minute, notes the Algerian news site Le Matin d'Algérie , which states that on According to the Air Algérie website, it is almost impossible to find a ticket between Algiers and Paris between August 15 and September ¹ – and if by some miracle a seat becomes available, it can reach the exorbitant price of 500 euros.

Complaints from Algerians living abroad are renewed every year, the news site explains. “Every year, the authorities seem to discover the situation,” with exploding demand and insufficient supply.

“It is not just plane tickets that Algerians abroad are demanding, but respect. Respect for their contribution to the economy, for their attachment to the country, for their loyalty despite obstacles,” comments Le Matin d'Algérie .