Morocco and Floripa: New international route could transform tourism and business between the continents

Morocco may be about to connect directly with Santa Catarina through an unprecedented air route between Florianópolis and Casablanca – and, with that, a bridge between Brazil and North Africa begins to take shape with strategic strength for tourism and the international market.

Initially, the announcement was made during the inauguration of the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Morocco in Florianópolis, at a private event attended by the Moroccan ambassador to Brazil, Nabil Adghoghi. The diplomat revealed the interest of Royal Air Maroc, the African country's national airline, in establishing direct flights from the capital of Santa Catarina.

Why is Florianópolis on Morocco's radar?

First of all, Florianópolis has established itself as a global city. With high-quality tourism infrastructure, expanding air connections, and a growing international audience, the capital of Santa Catarina is now a benchmark for quality of life, innovation, and premium tourism.

Furthermore, its strategic location in the Southern Cone – close to other important centers such as Buenos Aires, Montevideo and São Paulo – makes the city a highly viable logistical hub for connections with the African continent.

I.e, Florianópolis meets the ideal prerequisites to become a new air hub between South America and North Africa.

What is Morocco's strategic interest in this connection?

Across the Atlantic, Morocco has positioned itself as an emerging powerhouse in global tourism. Cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, and Rabat attract millions of visitors every year, combining ancient history, hospitality, modern infrastructure, and unique cultural experiences.

Consequently, the country seeks to expand its presence on the international stage through new direct flights – and sees Brazil as a key partner in this process.

According to Ambassador Nabil Adghoghi, the idea is to start with three weekly flights between Florianópolis and Casablanca, with potential for extension to Buenos Aires, creating an integrated air network between South America and North Africa.

What changes with the arrival of a direct route between Morocco and Santa Catarina?

Even more than facilitating travel, a direct route represents an advancement in commercial, cultural, and diplomatic relations between the two countries. In other words, exchanges will become more dynamic, faster, and accessible for businesspeople, tourists, investors, and students.

See the main expected impacts:

• High-end tourism: Florianópolis and Casablanca may share similar audiences, interested in culture, luxury, gastronomy and authentic experiences.
• Bilateral trade: Products such as olive oils, textiles, handicrafts and typical Moroccan foods may gain ground in the Santa Catarina market, while Brazilian items are gaining ground in North Africa.
• Cross-investments: Closer ties favor opportunities in real estate, renewable energy, technology and international education.
• Diplomatic strengthening: The installation of the consulate and the efforts to reach out further consolidate Morocco as Brazil's strategic partner on the African continent.

Why is Casablanca a key city in this relationship?

Casablanca is Morocco's main economic center, responsible for a large portion of the country's commercial transactions. It is also the most populous and modern city, home to Morocco's largest airport: Mohammed V International Airport.

In short, establishing a direct connection with Casablanca doesn't just mean accessing a new tourist destination – it means entering through the front door of a growing market, highly connected to Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Likewise, for tourism, Casablanca serves as a hub for quick connections to other iconic cities such as Marrakech, Agadir and Chefchaouen.

Is Florianópolis prepared for this international connection?

At the moment, Florianópolis It has an award-winning international airport, with capacity for long-haul flights and the infrastructure to welcome international tourists with comfort and safety.

Furthermore, the city has been recognized for its global appeal. International events, the presence of foreign communities, the growth of tech companies, and a rapidly expanding luxury real estate market are concrete evidence of its maturity on the international stage.

Therefore, the arrival of a direct route to Morocco is another natural step for a city that already breathes innovation and multiculturalism.

What is Royal Air Maroc's role in this expansion?

Royal Air Maroc is Morocco's flagship airline and one of Africa's most modern. With flights to over 90 destinations worldwide, the company is known for its efficient fleet and strategic connections to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

By expanding its routes to the Southern Cone, Royal Air Maroc aims not only to attract South American tourists to Morocco, but also to transform Casablanca into a global hub.

Therefore, Florianópolis is an ideal candidate to host this new route, offering infrastructure, qualified demand and an excellent reputation in international tourism.

Concluding

Finally, the possible creation of an air route between Florianópolis and Morocco represents much more than a new travel option. As a result, it's a geopolitical, economic, and cultural landmark that places Santa Catarina at the center of a new transcontinental connection.

In other words, this initiative has everything it needs to transform luxury tourism, open new commercial channels and position itself Florianópolis as a true global capital of the future.