Millions of Moroccan expats are expected to return home this summer, with authorities preparing for an increase in travelers crossing the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain.
Operation Passage du Détroit (OPE) 2024, a large-scale initiative by the Moroccan government, aims to manage the anticipated influx.
This year, OPE officials predict a significant rise in both vehicles and passengers compared to 2023. More than 820,000 vehicles are expected, a 6% increase, along with an estimated 3.3 million passengers, representing a 4% year-on-year increase.
To ensure smooth traffic flow and passenger safety, OPE is mobilizing various Spanish government agencies. Cooperation between port authorities, the General Directorate of the Merchant Navy, and the General Directorate of Health is crucial.
Additionally, specific fleet plans for ships and coordination plans at the provincial level are being developed to streamline operations.
Authorities have identified specific high-volume dates during the operation, including June 14-16, August 1-5, and August 30 – September 1.
During these periods, special measures such as ticket interchangeability will be implemented to expedite boarding.
The General Directorate of Civil Protection advises travelers to plan their journey carefully and secure confirmed tickets in advance to minimize delays. Arriving at ports with pre-booked passage will facilitate the services of maritime companies.
While exact figures on the economic impact of this annual migration are not directly available, it is widely known that the return of expats significantly contributes to Morocco’s economy, especially in sectors such as tourism and retail.
Morocco is actively investing in the tourism sector. Just last year, the country pledged $8 billion to strengthen tourism infrastructure. Additionally, Tourism Minister Fatima-Zahra Ammor highlighted on Tuesday the growing interest of globally recognized brands in investing in Morocco.
Minister Ammor also detailed initiatives such as the establishment of Regional Development Societies specifically designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the tourism sector.
Morocco has set a goal to attract 26 million tourists by 2030. The 2023-2026 action plan, supported by a substantial budget of $6.1 billion, is already yielding positive results.
Morocco World News
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