Marrakech Emerges as Top Destination for Israeli Tourists Following Direct Flights

The Moroccan destination in general and Marrakech in particular are popular with Israeli tourists this summer season. More than 250 Israeli tourists, according to figures from the Regional Tourism Council, took part in the Moroccan-Israeli cultural day organized last Thursday by a hotel establishment to celebrate the cultural mixing of the two peoples. On this occasion, the famous Jamaa El Fna square in Marrakech, one of the jewels of the cultural and artistic heritage of the kingdom, was highlighted to reveal the richness, diversity and uniqueness of Moroccan craftsmanship, reports La Map.

To read: Morocco to Welcome Israeli Tourists as Direct Flights Launch July 25

"We are proud to bring many Israelis thanks to the regular flights between Tel Aviv and Marrakech and we hope that this will develop further," said Jospeh Gabison, director of an Israeli travel agency, very admiring of the cultural wealth of Morocco. Israelis of Moroccan descent who have kept very strong ties with their country of origin are impatient to return to their roots, adds Gabison, who says his agency is overwhelmed by the requests from Israelis, fascinated by the cultural wealth of Morocco, who plan to make the pilgrimage to the tombs of the great rabbis.

To read: Morocco Launches Direct Flights from Tel Aviv to Boost Israeli Tourism

Raphaél Ozin, an Israeli tourist who is spending his vacation in Morocco for the first time with his family, also expresses his joy at discovering the tourist riches of the kingdom. "I am very happy to be among the first tourists to have arrived directly from Israel. This is an exceptional event," he exclaimed. Marc Scalia, the former NRJ radio host, also expressed his pride after taking one of the first flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakech. "We feel good in Marrakech, we want to stay there and we will come back," said Scalia, who salutes the hospitality and welcome of Marrakech.

To read: Morocco Opens Visa Applications for Israeli Travelers, Streamlines Process

The first two direct commercial flights Tel Aviv-Marrakech launched in July were operated by the Israeli companies El Al and Israir. According to the ONMT, 50,000 to 80,000 Israelis visit Morocco annually. With the direct flights, some 200,000 Israeli visitors would be expected in the first year, estimates the same source.