Significant Increase in Brazilian Tourist Arrivals
The influx of Brazilian tourists to Morocco has seen a remarkable increase of 14% in the first half of 2026, highlighting the positive trajectory of this South American market. According to data from the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), there were 30,132 recorded Brazilian visitors by the end of June 2026, compared to 26,545 during the same timeframe in 2025. This growth is closely linked to the reinstatement of the direct flight route between Casablanca and Sao Paulo, operated by Royal Air Maroc (RAM), which serves as a crucial catalyst for enhancing tourist flows between Brazil and Morocco.
Royal Air Maroc's Expanding Operations
Currently, Royal Air Maroc operates four weekly flights on this route, boasting an impressive average occupancy rate of 83%, which translates to approximately 250 passengers per flight. Between January and June 2026, RAM successfully transported 52,500 passengers on this service. Othmane Baba, the RAM representative in Brazil, emphasized the ongoing strong performance of the Casablanca-Sao Paulo route, indicating a growing interest from the Brazilian market in Morocco. In a bid to further solidify its presence in South America, the airline plans to introduce a fifth weekly frequency starting October 28, utilizing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for these flights.
Additionally, RAM has recently signed an interline agreement with Brazilian airline LATAM, designed to facilitate the transfer of passengers from various Brazilian cities to RAM flights heading to the Casablanca hub. Furthermore, RAM aims to enhance its footprint in the Brazilian market by targeting a daily frequency between Casablanca and Sao Paulo by 2027. Plans are also underway for a potential route to Rio de Janeiro, contingent on the availability of new aircraft, as noted by Baba.
The growth in the Brazilian market is further supported by intensified promotional efforts and networking among tourism professionals. In April, Morocco showcased its tourism offerings at the WTM Latin America, a major event in the travel industry, gathering over 800 exhibitors and 32,000 industry professionals. In June, the ONMT in Brazil collaborated with the Brazilian Tour Operators Association (Braztoa) to organize a mission that allowed 22 Brazilian tour operators to explore Morocco's diverse tourist offerings. This initiative included visits to multiple destinations within the Kingdom and discussions with local industry stakeholders, aiming to identify new commercial cooperation opportunities.
This upward trajectory comes on the heels of a strong recovery in the Brazilian market in 2025, where Morocco welcomed 54,475 Brazilian tourists, reflecting a 35% increase from 2024 when 40,277 visitors were recorded. Notably, these figures have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, which stood at 47,113 arrivals in 2019. In terms of overnight stays in classified tourist accommodation establishments (EHTC), the Brazilian market generated 84,228 overnight stays in 2025, a significant rise from 57,423 in 2024, marking a 47% increase.
As reported by libe.ma.
