Israelis Return to Morocco as Direct Flights Resume

Direct flights between Israel and Morocco have resumed, with three flights per week now operating between Tel Aviv and Marrakech. This marks a significant step in restoring tourism after a nearly three-year hiatus, exacerbated by the events of October 7th. Travel companies have restarted organized tours, and industry professionals anticipate approximately 20,000 Israelis will visit Morocco by the end of the year.

While current numbers are lower than the pre-war peak of 100,000 visitors, initial demand for the direct flights is strong, with seats filling up quickly. Some Israelis are also traveling to Morocco via intermediate destinations. "We see demand, and expect it to grow," stated Yishai Mold, manager of the Active department at Issta Sport Group.

For tour guides like Uri Attias, who was born to Moroccan parents, the resumption is deeply personal. He describes returning to Morocco as "coming home" and emphasizes the authentic experience offered, which includes visiting local families, schools, and villages, sharing meals, and connecting with both Jewish and Muslim friends. He notes that many businesses in Morocco, reliant on Israeli tourism, eagerly await the return of organized groups.

Beyond traditional sightseeing, alternative travel experiences are being promoted, including cycling tours through the Atlas Mountains and jeep excursions. These offer opportunities to explore diverse landscapes, engage with different lifestyles, and for some, undertake heritage trips to ancestral villages or visit the graves of rabbis, connecting personal history with nature and culture.