New air routes drive increase in Chinese arrivals to Morocco

Morocco is witnessing a sharp rise in Chinese tourist arrivals, driven by expanded air connectivity and targeted digital marketing campaigns, according to data from the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT).

Nearly 200,000 Chinese visitors entered the country in the first eight months of 2025, almost double the total for all of 2024 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

The surge follows the launch of new direct flight routes earlier this year by Royal Air Maroc and China Eastern Airlines, including connections between Casablanca and Beijing, as well as Shanghai via Marseille. These routes have significantly improved access and visibility for Morocco in the Chinese travel market.

Tourism officials forecast that Chinese arrivals could reach 300,000 by the end of 2025, with ambitions to hit 500,000 in 2026 and one million by 2030.

The ONMT has ramped up its promotional efforts on Chinese digital platforms such as WeChat, Douyin, and Ctrip, and has partnered with major travel agencies including Trip.com and Fliggy to boost overnight stays.

Morocco recorded 11.6 million tourist arrivals by the end of July 2025, marking a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This figure includes both international visitors and Moroccan expatriates, with the latter accounting for 52% of total arrivals during the first seven months of the year.

In 2024, Morocco had a record-breaking 17.4 million tourist arrivals, marking a 20% increase compared to 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.