Morocco-Israel direct flights to kick off in two to three months- Tourism minister

Direct air routes between Morocco and Israel are expected to be launched in two to three months, following a deal signed by the two countries on the sidelines of a visit of an Israeli-US delegation to Rabat, tourism minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui said.

The Minister underscored Morocco’s attractiveness to the Moroccan Jewish community in Israel and Israeli tourists, adding that her department has started a study on the Israeli tourism market as well as preparing special tourist guides.

In a previous statement to the media, Fettah Alaoui said up to 200,000 Israeli tourists are expected to visit Morocco in the first year of direct flights establishment.

From 50,000 to 70,000 Israeli tourists visit Morocco annually. Over 1 million Jews of Moroccan origins live in Israel.

Morocco is also a key pilgrimage destination where many Jewish saints are buried.