Morocco captivates Indian tourism professionals at OTM 2026

Yesterday 15:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco captivates Indian tourism professionals at OTM 2026

Morocco's attractions and wealth as a destination took center stage Thursday evening in Mumbai during an event hosted by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) on the sidelines of the 2026 OTM (Outbound Travel Market). This key gathering draws international tourism professionals eyeing India's outbound market.

The encounter highlighted the Kingdom's strong tourism potential while fostering networking between Moroccan and Indian operators to boost Morocco's visibility in Asia and build mutually beneficial cooperation.

Morocco's ambassador to New Delhi, Mohamed Maliki, noted steady growth in Indian tourist arrivals: up 31 percent in 2025 from 2024 and 224 percent versus 2019. He called these figures below the true potential given India's promising market, expressing confidence in continued upward trends. Maliki positioned Morocco as a destination in constant reinvention, offering unique experiences to every visitor. "Each region of Morocco holds singular cultural and natural riches," he said, pointing to high revisit rates where tourists feel "like at home."

The ambassador also spotlighted Morocco's rising appeal as a filming location, hosting international productions including Indian ones thanks to diverse landscapes and top infrastructure.

ONMT showcased Morocco's diverse, immersive tourism offer: rich cultural heritage, imperial cities' elegance, varied landscapes from Sahara deserts to Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and Atlas mountains. The event promoted adventure experiences, tailored travel services, and accommodations for all traveler profiles.

Immersive videos of Morocco's cities and regions projected visuals of landscapes, cultural experiences, and Moroccan lifestyle. Over 200 hosted buyers, tourism professionals, and media representatives enjoyed a sensory journey into Moroccan culture via traditional performances, including Gnaoua rhythms by a Moroccan troupe.

Guests witnessed ancestral crafts: Moroccan tea ceremonies, calligraphy demos, henna rituals, and caftan presentations symbolizing refined artisanship and living heritage.

At the ongoing OTM through Saturday, ONMT set up a 200-square-meter stand as a Morocco showcase, joined by nine receptive Moroccan travel agencies. The 2026 edition gathers over 2,100 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and 50,000 professional visitors, solidifying its role as a gateway to India's outbound tourism.

Sector data shows Indian travelers spent nearly $31.7 billion abroad in 2024, with projections of 80 to 90 million annual trips positioning India as Asia-Pacific's top outbound market.