The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) announced Monday the signing of an agreement with the Italian shipping company GNV aimed to boost tourism between Italy and Morocco.
"The Moroccan National Tourist Office and the Italian shipping company GNV have committed to a joint action plan for the next three years to boost tourism between Italy and Morocco. The agreement was signed in Rabat on the sidelines of GNV’s annual convention held in Marrakech from October 2 to 5," the Office stated in a press release.
Italy stands as a strategic market for Morocco. In 2025, 1.15 million Italian tourists visited the Kingdom, 15% of whom traveled by sea. The partnership aims to increase the number of passengers departing from Italy to 350,000 by strengthening the promotion of the destination and developing maritime travel to Morocco.
The initiative includes a joint marketing campaign targeting the Italian market. Radio, television, influencer marketing, visibility in GNV network travel agencies, and street marketing campaigns will help increase touchpoints with travelers. Morocco as a destination will also benefit from a presence aboard GNV ships through digital screens, the GNV APP Maroc, and the company’s onboard radio.
This initiative forms part of ONMT’s new strategic direction, which places experiences at the heart of destination promotion and highlights the diversity of Morocco’s regions and the various ways to explore the country. It specifically targets Italian travelers interested in road trips, 4x4 adventures, and ecotourism.
The maritime network offers direct access to the Kingdom with one’s own vehicle, thereby facilitating exploration of several regions of the country and giving travelers the freedom to plan their own itineraries and enjoy a variety of experiences throughout their stay.
Furthermore, the partnership supports demand related to Operation Marhaba, which involves several million Moroccans expatriates, with a particularly significant presence in Italy.
The ONMT-GNV partnership follows discussions around the GNV Aurora, christened on June 1 and dedicated to the Morocco route, and sets a three-year cooperation framework.
GNV, an Italian shipping company part of the MSC Group, is among leading players in passenger and vehicle transport in the Mediterranean. Its network connects several destinations from Italy, including Morocco, and is supported by a network of travel agencies.
MAP: 05 October 2026
