Introduction: Why Brazil–Morocco Matters Now
Two countries on opposite sides of the South Atlantic are quietly building an aviation corridor that did not exist five years ago.
A Brazilian trade delegation lands in Morocco on June 10 for a four-day mission spanning Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier. Days earlier, Royal Air Maroc confirmed it will launch Casablanca–Rio de Janeiro flights in 2027 — the airline’s return to Rio after more than three decades. Meanwhile, Brazilian tourist arrivals to Morocco reached 54,475 in 2025, a 35% increase over 2024.
These three signals — trade, aviation, and tourism demand — are not random. They form an emerging pattern: a deliberate push, by both governments and the private sector, to build what Embratur (Brazil’s tourism promotion agency) calls a “South Atlantic air corridor.”
This article looks at what is happening, what is confirmed, what is still unconfirmed, and what Moroccan tourism businesses should watch between June 2026 and 2030.
What Is Happening June 10–13
A delegation of Brazilian companies, organised by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (CCAB) in coordination with the Moroccan embassy in Brasília, will visit Morocco from June 10 to 13.
The programme includes:
- Rabat: Institutional and sectoral meetings
- Casablanca: B2B sessions, networking seminar with Moroccan business representatives, technical visits to Moroccan firms
- Tangier: Business meetings and a tour of the Tanger Med port complex
The delegation’s primary focus sectors are agribusiness, cosmetics, electrical equipment, and footwear. Tourism is not explicitly on the mission’s agenda.
This distinction matters: the June mission is a trade delegation, not a tourism marketing tour. However, it takes place within a broader context where Brazil–Morocco tourism and aviation links are accelerating independently — and the two trends support each other.
The mission follows the LIDE Brazil-Morocco Forum held in Marrakech in July 2025, where over 100 executives and policymakers mapped out what both sides now call an “Atlantic partnership.” Bilateral trade reached $2.78 billion in 2025.
Why the RAM Rio 2027 Route Changes the Map
Royal Air Maroc confirmed on May 24, 2026, that it will operate flights between Casablanca and Rio de Janeiro starting in 2027. The announcement was made during an ANBA press trip to Morocco at the airline’s invitation.
Key facts:
- Route: Casablanca (CMN) → Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
- Timeline: 2027 — exact start month, frequency, and pricing not yet announced
- Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner (same as São Paulo route)
- Context: RAM previously operated to Rio until the early 1990s. It returned to Brazil via São Paulo in 2013, suspended that route during COVID-19, and resumed in 2024 with 3 weekly frequencies.
The Rio route signals something broader than one new flight. It suggests:
- RAM sees Brazil as a sustainable long-haul market (80% average occupancy across Brazil routes)
- The airline is investing in South America as a growth region ahead of Morocco’s 2030 World Cup co-hosting
- Brazil’s leisure demand for Morocco is strong enough to justify a second destination
The Rio announcement should also be read alongside RAM’s expansion of its São Paulo service — from 4 to 5 weekly flights by the end of 2026 — which adds over 25% capacity on Morocco’s busiest Brazilian connection.
Why Brazilian Tourism Demand Matters
Brazilian tourist arrivals to Morocco have grown steadily since the post-pandemic restart:
| Year | Brazilian Visitors | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 47,113 | — (pre-pandemic baseline) |
| 2023 | 37,750 | Recovery under way |
| 2024 | 40,277 | +7% |
| 2025 | 54,475 | +35% |
Source: Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), via North Africa Post.
The 2025 figure surpasses the pre-pandemic level and represents the highest number of Brazilian tourists recorded in Morocco.
More telling than arrivals are overnight stays: 84,228 in classified accommodation in 2025, up 47% from 57,423 the previous year. This suggests Brazilian travellers are staying longer and spending more per trip, not simply transiting.
RAM’s regional director for Latin America, Othman Baba, confirmed that 90% of passengers on Brazil routes are leisure travellers, and the average occupancy rate across the São Paulo service is 80%. These are strong numbers for a long-haul route that resumed only two years ago.
São Paulo, Rio, and the Air Corridor Logic
The typical visitor flow between Brazil and Morocco currently centres on São Paulo. With four weekly flights (soon five), São Paulo connects to Casablanca, which in turn serves as a hub for onward travel within Morocco, to Europe, and to West Africa.
The addition of Rio creates a second entry point from Brazil, potentially capturing:
- Rio metropolitan area: ~13 million people, Brazil’s second-largest city
- South-eastern Brazil: An additional catchment area currently relying on São Paulo connections
- Leisure demand: Rio is a major source market for long-haul leisure travel
The corridor logic works because Casablanca sits geographically between Brazil and Europe/the Middle East. For Brazilian travellers, Casablanca is a shorter flight than many European hubs — and Morocco offers a visa-free experience for Brazilian passport holders (up to 90 days).
Embratur signed a memorandum of understanding with Royal Air Maroc to support this corridor. The MoU covers joint marketing initiatives targeting travellers from Europe, Africa, and the Arab world travelling to Brazil via Morocco, and aligns with Brazil’s International Tourism Acceleration Program (PATI).
On the Moroccan side, the ONMT has not announced a dedicated Brazil marketing campaign, but attendance at Latin American trade fairs suggests growing attention to this market.
What This Means for Moroccan Tourism Businesses
For tour operators and DMCs
The Brazilian market is not yet a major source for most Morocco DMCs, but the trajectory signals an opportunity. Current numbers (54,475 arrivals) represent roughly 0.3% of Morocco’s total 19.8 million visitors in 2025. Even modest growth — maintaining 35% year-on-year increases — would bring this to approximately 73,500 by 2026 and 100,000 by 2027.
Brazilian travellers have specific preferences that differ from European markets:
- 90% are leisure travellers — not business
- Portuguese-language support is valued (few Moroccan DMCs currently offer Portuguese guides)
- South American travellers tend to prefer longer stays
- Interest in culture, gastronomy, and nature — less in beach resorts
For hotels and riads
Properties in Marrakech, Fes, and the desert circuit are most likely to benefit. Brazilian travellers are not yet a primary market for coastal resort areas, but as the corridor matures, higher-volume leisure could diversify regional demand.
For regions
The Rio route does not change the geography of demand. However, improved connectivity could open secondary demand for:
- Tangier (likely to benefit from trade mission exposure)
- Ouarzazate / Dadès — if future routing supports desert tourism from Brazil
- Rabat — the Waldorf Astoria opening and FIFA Congress positioning could attract South American MICE demand
What Hotels, DMCs, Guides, and Regions Should Watch
| Signal | When | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Trade mission outcomes | June 10–13, 2026 | Monitor for business deals, sector announcements, and follow-up missions |
| RAM 5th São Paulo frequency | Late 2026 | Confirms capacity commitment — if delayed, signals weaker demand |
| Rio route booking opening | 2027 (first half?) | First concrete pricing reveals target market |
| ONMT Brazil campaign | Unannounced | If launched, expect faster growth |
| UN Tourism Summit Rio | 2026 (date TBC) | Opportunity for Morocco tourism officials to network |
Risks and What Is Not Confirmed Yet
Not confirmed:
- The exact launch month, frequency, and pricing of the Rio route
- Whether RAM will operate Rio daily or 3–4 times weekly
- Whether the route will be seasonal or year-round
- The specific budget or scope of the Embratur–RAM MoU
- Whether the ONMT will launch a dedicated Brazil campaign
- Whether the trade mission will lead to any concrete tourism-sector deals
Not guaranteed:
- That the Rio route will achieve the same 80% occupancy as São Paulo
- That Brazilian growth rates will remain at 35% (2025 was a recovery year)
- That the trade mission’s outcomes will benefit tourism specifically
Tone note: Every projection in this article is an interpretation of available data, not a forecast with certainty.
Timeline: June 2026 → End 2026 → 2027 → 2030
| Period | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| June 10–13, 2026 | Brazilian trade mission (Rabat → Casablanca → Tangier) | First signal of institutional engagement since LIDE Forum |
| Late 2026 | RAM 5th weekly São Paulo frequency | Capacity growth confirms demand trajectory |
| 2026 | 3rd UN Tourism Summit, Rio de Janeiro | Morocco officials can leverage attendance |
| 2027 | RAM Casablanca–Rio de Janeiro route launch | Second Brazilian gateway — structural shift in corridor capacity |
| 2030 | Morocco co-hosts FIFA World Cup | Maximum-demand scenario for Brazil–Morocco aviation |
FAQ
Is the Rio–Casablanca route already flying?
No. Royal Air Maroc confirmed the route for 2027. No flights are currently operating between Casablanca and Rio de Janeiro. The São Paulo route is active with 4 weekly flights, expanding to 5 by end of 2026.
Is the June trade mission about tourism?
No. The mission focuses on agribusiness, cosmetics, electrical equipment, and footwear. Tourism is not listed as a primary sector. However, the broader Brazil–Morocco relationship includes an accelerating tourism corridor.
How many Brazilian tourists visit Morocco?
54,475 in 2025, up 35% from 40,277 in 2024. This is the highest figure on record and surpasses the pre-pandemic level of 47,113 in 2019. Source: ONMT.
What does “South Atlantic corridor” mean?
It refers to the growing bilateral aviation and tourism links between Brazil and Morocco, supported by Royal Air Maroc’s route expansion, Embratur’s promotion efforts, and deeper trade ties. The term has been used to describe Casablanca’s strategic positioning as a hub connecting South America with Europe and Africa.
Do Brazilian passport holders need a visa for Morocco?
No. Brazilian passport holders can enter Morocco visa-free for short tourist stays (up to 90 days).
What should a Moroccan hotel or DMC do now?
Watch for the Rio route booking opening in 2027. In the meantime, establish relationships with Brazilian tour operators at trade fairs. Portuguese-language materials are a differentiator but not yet essential at current volume levels.
© Trimyo — Original Morocco tourism intelligence. This article was researched and written by the Trimyo editorial team. If you find this content useful, please link to the original article rather than copying it.
Published · Original article on trimyo.com
Sources & Verification
- Morocco World News — Business Delegation(high trust)
- Morocco World News — RAM Rio 2027(high trust)
- ANBA — RAM confirms Rio flights(high trust)
- ANBA — RAM 5th São Paulo flight(high trust)
- Yabiladi — Business Delegation(high trust)
- North Africa Post — 35% tourist growth(high trust)
- ITIJ — Embratur-RAM MoU(medium trust)
- Gov.br — Tourism Events 2025-2026(high trust)
- ANBA — North Africa tourism investment(high trust)
Needs Verification
- Embratur–RAM MoU specific marketing commitments — MoU confirmed by multiple sources but specific budget/commitments not publicly detailed. Section kept conservative.
- RAM Rio 2027 frequency, pricing, and start month — Route confirmed. Operational details expected closer to launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rio–Casablanca route already flying?
No. Royal Air Maroc confirmed the route for 2027. No flights are currently operating between Casablanca and Rio de Janeiro. The São Paulo route is active with 4 weekly flights, expanding to 5 by end of 2026.
Is the June trade mission about tourism?
No. The mission focuses on agribusiness, cosmetics, electrical equipment, and footwear. Tourism is not listed as a primary sector. However, the broader Brazil–Morocco relationship includes an accelerating tourism corridor.
How many Brazilian tourists visit Morocco?
54,475 in 2025, up 35% from 40,277 in 2024. This is the highest figure on record and surpasses the pre-pandemic level of 47,113 in 2019. Source: ONMT.
What does the South Atlantic air corridor mean?
It refers to the growing bilateral aviation and tourism links between Brazil and Morocco, supported by Royal Air Maroc’s route expansion, Embratur’s promotion efforts, and deeper trade ties.
Do Brazilian passport holders need a visa for Morocco?
No. Brazilian passport holders can enter Morocco visa-free for short tourist stays (up to 90 days).
What should a Moroccan hotel or DMC do about the Brazilian market?
Watch for the Rio route booking opening in 2027. In the meantime, establish relationships with Brazilian tour operators at trade fairs. Portuguese-language materials are a differentiator but not yet essential at current volume levels.