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Maroc
2 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
2025 Marhaba Operation Experiences 'Unprecedented' Crowds
The 2025 Marhaba operation is experiencing "unprecedented" crowds, with more than 2,7 millions of Moroccan expatriates crossing the borders since June, confirming "the diaspora's loyalty" and "the tourism boom," said the French radio station "Beur FM." "The numbers speak for themselves: between June 10 and August 4, 2025, nearly 2.8 million Moroccan expatriates returned to Morocco, an increase of more than 10% in comparison with the previous year,' the radio station pointed out in an article on its website entitled 'A summer record for the Moroccan diaspora and tourism in Morocco!'. The Marhaba operation has thus been a "success," the publication pointed out, adding that this momentum coincides with a particularly 'promising' month of July for Moroccan tourism, which has seen 11.6 million visitors in just seven months. In just under two months, nearly 2.8 million Moroccan expatriates arrived in the country, 10.37% more than last year, the article stated, stressing that 338,360 vehicles crossed the border, an increase of 3.74%. The Tanger Med port remains the primary point of entry for Moroccan expatriates, with 555,753 passengers and 175,808 vehicles, representing 35.87% of total arrivals by sea and land. Meanwhile, Mohammed V Airport in Casablanca holds the first rank for air transport with 320,395 passengers, representing a quarter of arrivals by plane. The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity teams, deployed at border crossings and rest areas, carried out 45,465 interventions, including 2,858 medical interventions, according to the article. The return phase is already mobilizing the same human and logistical resources, in coordination with the operation's partners, to ensure fluidity and safety, the radio station added. The same source pointed out that port authorities, together with the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN), Customs and local authorities, have put in place 'fast-track procedures' to reduce delays at borders and customs. "This progress is part of the 2023-2026 strategy, which aims to diversify markets, strengthen infrastructure, and enrich the tourism offering," the publication concluded. (MAP: 12 August 2025)
Morocco World
23-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
French Tourists Crown Morocco as Ultimate Summer 2025 Haven
Doha – French tourists are selecting Morocco as their favored summer retreat for 2025, according to recent surveys and industry data. Despite a trend of caution among French travelers regarding international journeys, Morocco continues to captivate visitors with its unique fusion of accessibility, affordability, and cultural richness. A recent Opinion Way poll published by Beur FM unveils that Morocco has established itself as one of the preferred havens for French holidaymakers this summer. More than a quarter of users browsing the 'Liligo' travel comparison website have exhibited interest in Moroccan getaways, enticed by what the survey characterizes as a winning combination of 'exoticism, geographical and financial accessibility' – particularly appealing during times of rising prices and economic uncertainty. While only 45% of French citizens intend to venture abroad this summer, compared to 50% in 2024, Morocco stands out as an exception to this downward pattern. The country's allure appears to be intensifying even as more French people (67%, up from 61% last year) choose domestic vacations. Marrakech remains the most coveted Moroccan locale, but Essaouira and Fez are seeing remarkable surges in interest. Searches for Essaouira, known as 'the windy city,' have soared by 147%, while Fez, celebrated for its historical heritage, has experienced a 64% increase. This preference for Morocco is further corroborated by the Observatory of Travel Companies (EDV), which reports that 38% of French travel agencies now rank Morocco as their top international sales hotspot, ahead of Tunisia (27%) and Spain (23%). The renewed popularity isn't merely coincidental The renewed popularity stems from both improved diplomatic relations between Paris and Rabat and Morocco's consistent tourism offerings, including upgraded hotel accommodations and refreshed promotional campaigns. The country delivers travelers an ideal balance of exotic experiences and logistical security – a combination that continues to lure French visitors seeking adventure without complete departure from familiar comforts. While the number of April departures dipped slightly by 2% compared to the previous year, the value of sales has jumped by 7%. The average spending per traveler now amounts to €868. This suggests that French tourists may be traveling in smaller numbers, but they're investing more and prioritizing quality experiences – a trend that benefits Morocco's tourism sector. To capitalize on this growing enthusiasm, Transavia, a leading European low-cost carrier, has partnered with the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) to launch 14 new flight routes connecting regional French cities to Morocco for winter 2025-2026. This expansion will introduce over 130,000 new airplane seats, representing a 25% increase from last year. The new routes will link French cities directly to Moroccan hotspots, including Agadir, Marrakech, Dakhla, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, and Errachidia. A highlight of this collaboration is the establishment of a seasonal base in Agadir – Transavia's first outside France – which will enhance flight availability during the winter season. Morocco has become Transavia's number one destination in terms of seat-kilometers offered. Africa's most-visited country The country's tourism industry is booming. Morocco welcomed 5.7 million tourists in the first four months of 2025, a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024 – adding one million additional visitors in just four months. April alone saw 1.7 million arrivals, up 27% from April 2024, indicating that Morocco's appeal now transcends traditional peak seasons. This builds upon Morocco's record-breaking performance in 2024, when it attracted 17.4 million tourists, surpassing Egypt (15.7 million) to become Africa's most-visited country. Morocco's tourism revenue reached $11 billion in 2024, up from $10.5 billion the previous year. The 2024 figures represent a 20% increase from 2023 and more than 33% growth compared to pre-pandemic 2019 levels, when Morocco hosted 13 million tourists. France remains a crucial market, having contributed 2,421,539 visitors in 2024. As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, its tourism sector's outlook appears promising. Key factors propelling this growth include the introduction of 120 new airline routes in 2024 and new luxury hotels from brands like Four Seasons and Nobu. By 2030, Morocco aims to welcome 26 million tourists annually – 50% more than current figures. Tags: French touristsFrench tourists in Morocco
Morocco World
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
National March to Take Place in France Against Islamophobia
Rabat – France will witness a national march on May 11, with anti-racism activists, public figures, and collective leaders rallying against the rise in Islamophobic attacks across the European country. The demonstration will begin at 2 p.m. local time in the Paris neighborhood of Bastille. The march comes following the heinous Islamophobic attack a perpetrator identified as Olivier A. carried out against a Muslim man inside the mosque. Olivier A. repeatedly stabbed 22-year-old Aboubakar Cisse around 40 to 50 times while he was praying, all while hurling insults at God, Islam, and Muslims as he filmed his horrific crime. Converging reports say that the march organizers are determined to continue to rally against racism and Islamophobia. 'The person who kills is responsible, but someone who commits a racist crime always does so in a climate that enables it,' the organizers said in their statement on the upcoming demonstration. According to Beur FM, organizers are also frustrated over the silence of political leaders over the continuous Islamophobic attacks and the increasing exclusion of Muslims from French public life. Many other groups and collectives are supporting the march, including the Collective Against Islamophobia in Europe, the Aama Committee, March for Solidarity, Undocumented Committee 75, and Urgence Palestine. 'Over 100 public figures have pledged their support – among them writer Annie Ernaux, actress Adele Haenel, comedian Waly Dia, academic Francois Verges, and artists Lmohtep and Booder,' the news outlet wrote. The rise in Islamophobic attacks is causing division among the French government, with only a few officials acknowledging that what happened to Cisse was an anti-Muslim hate crime. One of them was French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who earlier this month stressed his earlier remarks, describing Cisse's murder as an Islamophobic attack. After he faced criticism over his remarks, Bayrou said in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche earlier this month: 'Yes, I stand by it. I can see there's a lot of debate. And to be honest, I often don't understand some of these controversies.' He added that he witnessed several instances when people refuse to use a word because 'one doesn't want to face reality.' 'The facts are clear: A 22-year-old man was murdered in a mosque while he was praying. His attacker filed the killing while hurling insults against Allah. So I ask: If this isn't hatred directed at Islam, then what is it?' he said.
