Morocco is a destination of great interest to Hungarian travellers. The fabulous architecture of the Royal Cities, the magic of the Sahara, the holiday cities on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, the country’s incomparable culture are all wonders that attract Hungarian travellers. Fortunately, there are now direct flights to Marrakech, one of the most attractive Moroccan cities. Having had the privilege of leading three professional trips to this fabulous country of the magical East for the invitation of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, I was keen to hear the views of Her Excellency Ambassador Karima Kabbaj, who lives and works in Budapest, on cooperation between our countries.
How long have you been living in Budapest?
I have had the honor of serving as the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Hungary since November 2016. Over these years, I have developed a deep appreciation for Hungary, its rich cultural heritage, and the strong historical ties that unite our two nations. It has been a rewarding experience to represent Morocco and work towards strengthening our bilateral relations.
What do you like most about Budapest and Hungary?
Budapest is a magnificent city, full of history, architectural beauty, and a vibrant cultural scene. Walking along the Danube, exploring the Buda Castle, and experiencing the lively atmosphere of the cafés and cultural institutions always remind me of the deep historical roots that Hungary has preserved so well. The Hungarian people are warm, welcoming, and have a strong sense of tradition, much like Moroccans. I also admire Hungary’s appreciation for music, literature, and the arts. The similarities in hospitality and the deep respect for history and culture create a strong connection between our two nations.
How would you evaluate the cooperation in travel between our countries?
Tourism plays an important role in our bilateral relations. Morocco has always been a favored destination for Hungarian travelers, thanks to its diverse landscapes, rich history, and cultural depth. Similarly, Hungary is an attractive destination for Moroccan tourists, with its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and renowned cultural institutions.
A significant milestone in strengthening travel between our nations was the relaunch of direct flights between Budapest and Marrakech, which has greatly facilitated travel and increased connectivity. As a result, we witnessed a 51% increase in Hungarian tourists visiting Morocco between 2023 and 2024, reaching 17,196 travelers. This surge in visitors reflects the growing interest in Moroccan tourism and the benefits of improved air links.
Morocco has also actively worked on promoting tourism in Hungary. A couple of weeks ago, Morocco participated in Hungary’s leading tourism exhibition at HUNGEXPO in Budapest, where we showcased the richness of our country’s travel experiences. This event was an excellent platform for engaging with Hungarian travel professionals, strengthening partnerships, and increasing awareness of Morocco’s diverse offerings.
What changes do you think are necessary?
While a very tangible progress has been made, there are still areas that require further improvement. Expanding direct flight connections beyond Marrakech to other Moroccan cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Tangier or Fes would enhance accessibility and attract more Hungarian tourists.
Additionally, continued promotion of Morocco’s hidden gems—such as the northern regions with their breathtaking coastline and historical landmarks, as well as the Sahara region and the diverse landscapes it represents—would encourage travelers to explore beyond the well-known destinations. Events like the HUNGEXPO tourism fair play a crucial role in achieving this, and we aim to build on such efforts in the future.
What cooperation and events can be expected in the fields of tourism, culture, science, and sport?
There are several exciting developments in our bilateral cooperation:
In tourism for instance, the growing number of Hungarian tourists visiting Morocco is proof of our strengthening tourism ties. We will continue working closely with Hungarian travel agencies and industry stakeholders to promote new travel routes and tourism experiences, particularly in regions such as Tangier, Chefchaouen, and the Sahara Desert.
Recognizing this potential in tourism, both countries should explore opportunities to develop joint ventures in hospitality, particularly, in hotel management, resort development, and wellness tourism. By leveraging Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and Hungary’s expertise in spa and wellness services, we aim to create unique experiences for tourists, thereby boosting economic growth and strengthening our bilateral ties.
Additionally, Morocco is committed to strengthening cultural exchange with Hungary. We have actively participated in events such as International Diplomatic fairs, Francophonie Week, Arab Cultural Day, Moroccan film screenings in Budapest, and so on. Moving forward, we plan to organize additional Moroccan cultural and promotional events in Hungary.
In terms of Science and Education, the Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program remains an essential part of our cooperation, enabling Moroccan students to pursue higher education in Hungary. The recent renewal of the program increased the number of Moroccan beneficiaries to 165 scholarships per year, further strengthening academic ties. Additionally, we are looking at expanding partnerships between Moroccan and Hungarian universities to foster joint research projects and student exchanges.
Regarding Sports cooperation, Morocco and Hungary share a strong passion for sports. The Sport Cooperation Program signed in Rabat in 2021 continues to pave the way for deeper collaboration in anti-doping measures, training camps, and infrastructure development. We are also exploring opportunities for friendly matches and sports exchanges between Moroccan and Hungarian teams, further strengthening our ties.
In addition, football holds a special place in both Moroccan and Hungarian cultures. Hungary boasts a rich football history, with legends like Ferenc Puskás leaving an indelible mark on the sport. This shared passion is evident today, as Moroccan players contribute to Hungarian football, notably, Ryan Mmaee, a forward who played for Ferencvárosi TC from 2021 to 2023, made significant contributions during his tenure. These collaborations not only enhance the quality of the sport in both countries but also foster mutual appreciation and cultural exchange.
I am confident that with these ongoing efforts, the partnership between Morocco and Hungary will continue to flourish in tourism, culture, science, and sports, bringing our two nations even closer together.
