Global tourism disruptions linked to the Middle East war and rising aviation fuel prices are raising questions over whether Morocco’s domestic tourism sector could face spillover effects as airlines worldwide adjust routes and capacity.
The sharp increase in kerosene prices, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, alongside weaker demand on some international routes, has already pushed Royal Air Maroc to suspend several international connections as part of broader network adjustments.
The carrier said in a recent statement that the exceptional rise in operating costs was weighing heavily on the global aviation sector, forcing many airlines to temporarily revise flight schedules and reduce capacity.
Tourism expert Zoubir Bouhoute said the impact on Morocco’s domestic tourism market remains difficult to assess, noting that higher fuel costs mainly affect long haul flights. He explained that ticket prices on distant destinations were already expensive before the latest surge in fuel costs.
“When a ticket priced at 10,000 dirhams rises by 50%, it reaches 15,000 dirhams, which significantly affects demand for these types of trips,” Bouhoute told Hespress.
At the same time, he said the impact on Moroccan travelers heading to nearby destinations such as Spain during the summer season may remain limited. Around 800,000 to 900,000 Moroccans travel to Spain annually, many using low cost airlines or maritime transport, reducing their exposure to rising aviation costs.
Bouhoute said travelers would likely continue favoring nearby destinations, while the impact would mainly affect long distance travel to countries such as Turkey and other faraway markets, which represent a smaller share of outbound Moroccan tourism.
He also pointed to what he described as positive momentum linked to preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, noting that airlines are already programming additional routes and charter offers tied to expected travel demand.
According to Bouhoute, Royal Air Maroc has already scheduled several flights to the United States for Moroccan travelers, while other carriers could enter the market to capitalize on growing opportunities.
Sofian Bichar, president of the Drâa Tafilalet Regional Hotel Industry Association, said the tourism sector was already seeing a noticeable slowdown, particularly among travelers arriving from the Middle East or through major Gulf transit hubs such as the UAE and Qatar.
Bichar said southeastern Morocco had registered multiple cancellations among tourists arriving from distant markets including Australia and China, linking the decline directly to rising kerosene prices and higher travel costs.
He also dismissed expectations that the current situation could significantly boost domestic tourism, arguing that wealthier Moroccan travelers who traditionally vacation abroad, especially in Spain, were unlikely to change their travel habits despite rising prices.
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