Russian tourists seduced by the Morocco destination

A recent study carried out by the Russian company “Megafon”, distributed by the “Interfax” agency, highlighted a striking trend: Russians are increasingly attracted by Morocco. In 2024, the Kingdom has established itself as the preferred African destination for Russian tourists, even ahead of traditionally popular countries like Egypt.

Last month, the influx of Russian visitors to Morocco jumped 60% compared to the previous year. A spectacular progression which testifies to the growing appeal of the country, with its varied landscapes, its rich cultural heritage and its legendary hospitality. While Egypt remains in the lead in terms of travel volume, Morocco stands out for its rapid growth and untapped potential.

In terms of formalities, visa requests for Morocco have exploded, reaching an increase of 81% according to data reported by the Russian newspaper “Kommersant”. This trend is part of a broader movement: Russians are gradually turning away from traditional European destinations, such as the Schengen area, in favor of new experiences in Africa and Asia.

Yulia Lipatova, general director of the company “Aeroclub”, confirms this development: “The demand for visas for China has exceeded that of the Schengen area by more than three times. As for Japan, requests have almost tripled compared to 2023.”

For experts from the Russian Union of the Travel and Tourism Industry, Morocco now embodies a flagship destination. Its unique blend of modernity and tradition, its imperial cities, its captivating deserts and its sunny coasts make it an increasingly popular option.

In short, Morocco is no longer just an exotic stopover, but a destination in its own right, capable of competing with the giants of world tourism. A trend which is only just beginning and which promises to redraw the map of preferences of Russian travelers.

Rachid Mahmoudi