Arkia Airlines to Reestablish Direct Flights to Marrakech
In a significant development for travelers and the tourism industry, Israeli airline Arkia has announced the resumption of direct flights to Marrakech, set to commence on August 24, 2023. This marks the first return of such flights since they were suspended due to the escalation of conflict in Gaza, a situation that has drawn international scrutiny, with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finding potential grounds to label the actions as genocidal. The flights are scheduled to operate twice a week, specifically on Mondays and Wednesdays, utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. One-way fares are expected to start at $329, and Arkia has emphasized that Israeli travelers will need to secure a visa prior to entering Morocco, encouraging them to make necessary arrangements in advance.
A Promising Revival Amidst Challenges
The Marrakech route was initially inaugurated in the summer of 2021 and previously offered three flights weekly, serviced by Arkia, Israir Airlines, and El Al. However, the national carrier of Israel has yet to announce plans for its own return to North Africa. The decision to resume flights follows extensive coordination with aviation and security authorities, a process that Arkia described as lengthy but essential for ensuring the safety of passengers. The announcement has elicited enthusiastic responses from the Israeli tourism sector. Yoni Waxman, the deputy chairman of Ophir Tours, expressed that the return of direct flights to Marrakech is "fantastic news" and noted a surge in interest from the public regarding travel to this destination. Similarly, Shirley Cohen Orkaby, the marketing vice president at Eshet Tours, affirmed Marrakech's status as a highly desired location for Israeli tourists, interpreting the route's revival as a signal of renewed confidence in market demand.
However, the situation remains precarious. Mark Feldman, CEO of Ziontours, cautioned that while the announcement is promising, geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Iran, could lead to a reconsideration of flight plans should hostilities escalate. This reflects a broader concern among the Israeli populace regarding potential security threats.
In Morocco, the atmosphere has been markedly different since October 2023, with widespread pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurring across various cities. Protesters have called for a reversal of the normalization agreement established in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, organized largely by the Moroccan Front for the Support of Palestine and Against Normalization. These protests have not targeted Jewish visitors directly, underscoring a distinction between political opposition and the historical and cultural connections between Moroccans and Jews.
An estimated one million Israeli citizens can trace their roots back to Morocco, and even during the three-year hiatus of direct flights, many continued to visit through connecting flights for heritage tours, visits to historic sites, and the annual hillulot, or pilgrimages, to the graves of esteemed Jewish saints across cities such as Meknes, Fez, Ouazzane, and Marrakech. These enduring traditions highlight the long-standing Judeo-Muslim spiritual connection that has persisted despite political tensions.
Local tourism operators in Marrakech have expressed optimism regarding the return of Israeli visitors. Ronen Elmalich, an Israeli living in Marrakech, noted that local business owners and guides “remember the Israeli tourists fondly and are eagerly awaiting their return in larger numbers.” Veteran tour guide Mohammed Manadel echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that tourism serves as a vital means of fostering understanding and relationships between peoples. He remarked that the continued arrival of Israeli visitors, despite the absence of direct flights, demonstrates a persistent desire to connect with the destination. Tamar Garzon, CEO of Israel’s Gulliver Tours, described the route's reopening as a crucial step towards enhancing travel opportunities for Israeli tourists, especially in light of the approaching autumn and holiday seasons. In 2022, approximately 200,000 Israelis traveled to Morocco, many seeking to explore their ancestral heritage.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
