Morocco Prepares for Surge in Israeli Tourism Following Diplomatic Normalization

Technical training for tourism professionals on Jewish culture and the history of the Moroccan Jewish heritage, seminars... Morocco is mobilizing to welcome Israeli tourists of Moroccan origin. In Essaouira, Marrakech and Fez, the tourist season is being prepared.

These preparations come after the launch of direct flights between Tel Aviv and Rabat, as part of the implementation of the tripartite agreement between Morocco, the United States and Israel. While in the past the kingdom welcomed 50,000 Israeli tourists each year, mainly during Jewish religious holidays, this number will increase to reach 200,000 this year. Nadia Fettah Alaoui, Minister of Tourism, had made this announcement during her appearance on the Israeli television channel Kan.

To cope with this influx of Israeli tourists, the Maimouna association has launched technical training for tour guides. The idea is to make them familiar with Jewish culture and the history of the Moroccan Jewish heritage. In Tangier, the Ministry of Tourism and the International Institute of Tourism of the city organized training sessions that started on Sunday, June 20.

In total, 20 guides selected in Fez, Rabat, Marrakech and Essaouira and transferred to Tangier will benefit from a six-month training in the field of tourism. Other initiatives have also been launched in the ochre city. Zoubir Bouhout, an expert in the field of tourism, said that a group of guides has received training on Jewish culture and heritage. The Regional Tourism Council of Souss-Massa has joined the dynamic by organizing seminars for industry specialists.