The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and China Eastern Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen Morocco’s economic ties with the Asian tourism market, MAP reported on July 1.
ONMT and China Eastern believe the partnership is a strategic alliance that opens Morocco to one of the world’s most dynamic and high-potential outbound tourism markets.
The signing ceremony was attended by Moroccan Tourism Minister Fatim Zahra Ammor, ONMT Director General Achraf Fayda, and China Eastern Airlines President Wang Zhinqing.
The agreement aims to launch a joint marketing strategy to promote Morocco in the Chinese market and organise press trips and joint promotional actions. It also looks forward to improving air connectivity between China and Morocco and boosting Morocco’s position as a top tourist destination for Chinese travellers.
Ammor said the deal is part of Morocco’s effort to diversify its tourism markets and strengthen its presence in Asia. ONMT’s long-term plan is to attract at least 1mn Chinese tourists by 2030.
In January 2025, China Eastern launched a Shanghai–Casablanca route via Marseille, and in October 2025, a new direct Shanghai–Casablanca route is expected to begin with three flights per week. The moves complement the existing Beijing–Casablanca route operated by Royal Air Maroc.
Tourist arrivals to Morocco surged 22% year-on-year (y/y) to 7.2mn visitors in the first five months of 2025, MAP reported late June, citing data from the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. The agency said that the Moroccan government is actively working on collaborations with global travel agencies and airlines to sustain tourism growth.
The tourism sector in Morocco is expected to grow further with upcoming events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup (jointly with Spain and Portugal). The Moroccan government has been working to upgrade air connectivity and tourism infrastructure in a bid to attract 26mn tourists by 2030.
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