MOROCCO TOURISM
laying foundation for successful foray into Indian market
Confident in India's rapid growth, the Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) in India is dedicated to laying the groundwork in 2024, setting the stage for Morocco's prominence as a preferred destination for Indian travellers in the years to come.
The year 2023 was a record year for Morocco as a tourism destination, surpassing prepandemic figures. By the end of November, the country welcomed 13.3 million visitors, and estimates for the full year predict around 14.5 million visitors. This achievement represents a remarkable 12.5 per cent increase over the figures recorded in 2019, solidifying Morocco's status as a thriving and increasingly popular destination for travellers.
Cultural Odyssey
Nestled at the crossroads of civilisations, Morocco beckons with a rich mosaic of history and diverse landscapes. Home to the oldest human remains, this ancient civilisation serves as a gateway between worlds. Morocco's monarchy, dating back to the 9th century, stands as the world's second-oldest ruling monarchy. With over 9,000 monuments and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the nation unfolds a cultural odyssey.
Morocco’s landscape is a visual symphony from the Mediterranean's serene coves to the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains, the plains of the Atlantic coast, or the sands of the Sahara Desert. Activities abound, from trekking in mountain valleys to thrilling water sports along the Atlantic coast. Culinary enthusiasts indulge in Morocco's renowned cuisine, while global hospitality and air transport brands ensure a comfortable sojourn. Morocco, where prehistoric traces meet modern indulgence, invites exploration into its timeless allure.
Strategic Gaze on India
While the primary tourism market for Morocco currently consists of France, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom, in a strategic move for future growth, MNTO is actively considering India as a key market. MNTO looks forward to driving a substantial increase in the inflow of Indian tourists to Morocco. Despite the modest figures in the Indian market, the MNTO is placing a significant bet on India's potential. This decision aligns with their ambitious global target of welcoming 26 million visitors to Morocco by the year 2026. MNTO is confident that India's inclusion in its strategic growth plans will contribute substantially to achieving this target.
Tapestry of Timeless Marvels
For Indian travellers seeking diverse experiences, Morocco seamlessly blends the past and present, offering an enriching and unforgettable journey. A week-long exploration of the "Imperial Cities"—from Casablanca to Rabat, Meknes, and Fes, concluding in Marrakech—promises a cultural immersion. Marrakech, with its vibrant nightlife, adds a delightful touch to its historical richness. For those with additional time, southward extensions for a Kasbah Road trip or northward visits to Tangier and Chefchaouen are enticing options. Subsequent visits allow a deeper focus on preferred cities or a relaxed beach holiday in Agadir, Essaouira, Mazagan, or Dakhla.
Gateway to Morocco
E-visa is available for Indians wishing to visit Morocco. It is not conditioned by any other visa availability, like Schengen or the US. No direct flight is available right now, but the tourism board is working hard on it. Meanwhile, one can reach Morocco via Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Cairo, Paris, London, Madrid, and a number of other international hubs.
Elevating Accessibility and Appeal
Making Morocco more accessible to Indian tourists is a key initiative for the MNTO. Firstly, a direct flight with a partner airline is being worked out to streamline travel and enhance convenience for Indian visitors. MNTO is actively pursuing partnership agreements with numerous tour operators, thus expanding Morocco's offerings and making it more visible in the Indian market. Furthermore, the MNTO is committed to comprehensive trade education programmes. These initiatives include training sessions, workshops, and familiarisation trips tailored for travel agents and tour operators. To further bolster sales and presence, the MNTO is providing robust marketing support, including materials and collaborative campaigns. Through these integrated strategies, the MNTO is steadfast in its commitment to making Morocco a top choice for Indian travellers.
India: Aspirations and Goals
By 2030, MNTO aims to position Morocco as the top choice for Indian tourists and hopes to welcome a minimum of 100,000 visitors by 2027. In their inaugural year in India (2024), they aim to establish the basics of tourism promotion: improving destination accessibility, increasing awareness among trade partners, and initiating activities for the public. MNTO is confident in the fast-growing nature of the Indian market and is dedicated to seizing the opportunities it presents. Their focus in 2024 is to lay the foundation for future success, ensuring that Morocco becomes a prominent destination for Indian travellers.