Morocco, the new "refuge" destination for Russian tourists

The director of the Union of Russian Tour Operators confirmed this dynamism in an interview with the TASS agency, placing Morocco alongside destinations such as Vietnam or the United Arab Emirates. Out of a total volume of 17.5 million Russian tourists who traveled abroad last year, Morocco is capturing an increasing share of travelers whose habits are evolving. Sectoral data indicate a new preference for shorter stays and hotel bookings without catering, while the luxury segment continues to grow significantly.

The appeal of the country is explained by the combination of a temperate climate and a diversified tourist offer, but also by the persistent impact of the visibility gained during the 2022 World Cup. The current geopolitical situation has also favored a shift of the Russian clientele towards Morocco, perceived as a stable alternative to other declining destinations. Professionals in the sector insist on the need to continue this charm offensive by multiplying the Moroccan presence in international trade fairs in Russia to reach new customer segments.

The diplomatic aspect actively supports this economic expansion. During recent exchanges between Minister Nasser Bourita and his counterpart Sergei Lavrov, the desire to perpetuate these flows was reaffirmed. This ambition will be realized by the imminent launch of a direct air link between Saint Petersburg and Casablanca, an axis considered essential to facilitate travel and consolidate the exceptional results expected for the year 2026.