Andalusian tour operators set eye on Northern Morocco

The Andalusian Federation of Travel Agencies (FAAV) has chosen Northern Morocco to host its second annual congress,signaling growing European interest in Morocco’s tourism offerings and strengthening ties between the neighboring kingdoms.

The four-day event,held early April in the coastal city of M’diq,brought together Spanish tourism professionals to explore partnership opportunities and discover the region’s tourism potential. According to FAAV President Luis Arroyo Marín,Morocco is positioned to be the preferred destination for Andalusian travelers in 2025.

“This congress represents an opportunity to discover an exceptional tourist destination,appealing for its natural landscapes,cultural sites,refined gastronomy,and warm hospitality,” said Marín,whose federation musters over 1,600 Andalusian travel agencies.

The gathering follows a strategic partnership agreement signed between FAAV and Morocco’s National Tourism Office (ONMT) during Madrid’s International Tourism Exhibition in January. This collaboration aims to increase Spanish visitor flows to Morocco,with particular focus on the northern region.

Rkia Alaoui,President of the Regional Tourism Council for Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima,emphasized that the congress “aims to connect Spanish tourism operators with the region’s natural and cultural potential,and explore opportunities for developing new tourism offerings.”

The Spanish market is crucial for Morocco’s tourism sector,ranking among the country’s top sources of international visitors. Northern Morocco offers particular advantages for Spanish tourists due to its proximity—just a 30-minute ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar.

The partnership is mutually beneficial,as approximately 300,000 Moroccan tourists visit Spain annually. This growing two-way tourist exchange highlights the economic and cultural interdependence of these Mediterranean neighbors.

For ONMT,strengthening ties with Andalusian operators represents a strategic move to capitalize on geographic proximity and cultural affinities between the regions,further positioning Northern Morocco as a gateway for European visitors to the kingdom.