Morocco, Plan B for Western Tourists? The Two Sides of the Crisis in the Middle East

For the past three weeks, the war pitting the United States and Israel against Iran has cast a heavy uncertainty over international travel. Although it is premature to measure the exact impact without official statistics, a senior industry official told Hespress that the consequences will oscillate "between the negative and the positive".

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A prolongation of hostilities will inevitably penalize the countries closest to the conflict. Conversely, this regional instability could benefit the kingdom. The latter represents a secure alternative capable of attracting European and American markets, prompting the supervisory ministry to closely study these new opportunities.

Tourism expert Zoubir Bouhout recalls that 14% of global air traffic transits through the vast Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai and Doha. This war is disrupting the supply chain and causing a surge in oil prices, immediately impacting the cost of kerosene and airline tickets.

This inflation then spreads to the entire economy, affecting domestic transportation and services. The widespread rise in prices erodes consumer purchasing power, with leisure budgets being the first to be sacrificed, mechanically reducing international tourism demand.

As the sector thrives in times of tranquility, the expert insists that "wars have never been a positive factor". He particularly fears the amalgamations linked to the overall image of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, often perceived by travelers as a single block.

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Despite its recognized security and record attendance reached in 2025, the country remains geographically attached to this space. It could thus suffer from the stereotypes of insecurity generated by the crisis, partially countering the hopes of a shift in Western clientele.