Moroccan Diaspora Travel Dips as Olympic Games Compete for Attention

While the Ministry of Transport and Logistics is pleased with the smooth running of this major logistical operation, the data reveals a decrease in the number of travelers and vehicles that have crossed the Strait of Gibraltar.

According to official statistics, about 1.9 million MREs and 447,000 vehicles transited through Moroccan ports between June 5 and August 15. A slight drop is still expected for the final balance.

What can explain this decrease? Observers point to the organization of the Paris Olympic Games. Many Moroccans preferred to take advantage of this global sporting event to discover the French capital and other French cities and experience the Olympic atmosphere. And the images speak for themselves: we have seen many Moroccans in the stands cheering on the Moroccan team during the Paris Olympics.

However, this drop in attendance does not call into question the importance of the Marhaba operation dedicated to MREs. It rather testifies to the adaptability of Moroccans abroad, who adjust their vacation plans according to international events.

Despite this slight drop, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics has deployed significant resources to ensure the smooth running of the Marhaba 2024 operation. Additional transportation capacities have been mobilized and maritime lines have been diversified.

The peak of attendance was recorded on August 3 and 4, with more than 80,000 travelers and 20,000 vehicles. Pending the final figures, reports from Spain mention a slight drop compared to last year’s data.