Strengthening air partnerships, diversifying the tourist offer and targeted campaigns… Here is how Morocco plans to double the number of tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the next three years. Details.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries represent a growing share of global tourism, with a population with strong purchasing power. Attracting these travelers therefore becomes a strategic issue for Morocco. To do this, the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) and the National Tourism Confederation (CNT) want to work harder. In order to further stimulate demand for Morocco, the two entities intend to intensify their public relations actions, their digital campaigns, and their participation in B2C, B2B, Leisure, MICE and Luxury trade fairs as highlighted in the latest ONMT-CNT taskforce toolbox issued on the occasion of Morocco’s participation in the Arabian Travel Market which is held from May 6 to 9 in Dubai.
In terms of distribution, the ONMT and the CNT want diversify their partnerships, particularly with the largest online travel agencies (OTA) on the market, as well as with major airlines from Gulf countries, in order to further strengthen the connectivity of these countries to Morocco. Particular attention will be paid to the Saudi market, the largest emitting basin in the GCC. According to Zoubir Bouhoute, tourism consultant, Morocco has an interest in investing in this market for several reasons. First of all, tourists from Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, generally have strong purchasing power, making them an attractive clientele for the Moroccan tourism sector. They generally spend more on their trips compared to other tourist groups, which can generate significant revenue for the hotel sector, local businesses and leisure activities. Focusing on the Gulf market allows Morocco to diversify its tourist clientele, affirms this consultant: “By diversifying its sources of tourists by attracting those from the Gulf, the country becomes less dependent on economic fluctuations or geopolitical events which can affect tourist flows from certain regions. This allows the sector to strengthen its resilience and ensure more stable growth in the long term.” 60 flights operated each week Recall that in 2023, Morocco recorded 190,492 tourist arrivals from the GCC and the Middle East, reaching 96% of its 2019 level. At the end of March 2024, the first quarter performance showed a total of 35,696 arrivals. In terms of air connectivity, 60 flights are operated each week, for a total capacity of 3,350 seats. In detail, Emirates Airlines offers 7 weekly flights from Dubai to Casablanca (517 seats per week). Etihad Airways operates 4 flights per week from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca (235 seats). Air Arabia operates 7 flights per week from Sharjah to Casablanca (186 seats). A stopover can be made before arrival.
Qatar Airways connects Doha to Casablanca 7 times a week (330 seats). On the other hand, SAUDIA operates 3 weekly flights from Riyadh to Casablanca and 7 flights from Jeddah to Casablanca, for a total capacity of 596 seats. Flynas connects Jeddah to Casablanca via 3 weekly flights (164 seats). Royal Air Maroc offers 7 flights per week from Casablanca to Dubai, 7 flights to Doha and 2 flights to Jeddah, for a total of 831 seats. As for Kuwait Airways, it connects Kuwait City to Casablanca via 3 weekly flights, providing 217 seats. Gulf Air offers 3 weekly flights from Manama to Casablanca with 282 seats available. The GCC market in figures According to the ONMT-CNT toolbox taskforce, the GCC emitting market is experiencing sustained expansion. In 200 0, it had 8 million travelers, reaching 14 million in 2005 and 24 million in 2010. The trend continued through 2015 with 40 million travelers, and forecasts put that number at 61 million for 2030. Travelers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait stay an average of 13 nights abroad. Short stays, from 1 to 3 nights, represent 23% of trips, while longer stays, from 4 nights and more, constitute 77% of the total. Spending by GCC travelers is expected to reach $140 billion by 2025, rising to $216 billion by 2030. Gulf nationals spend on average 430% more than the global average on accommodation.
