Climate Change Threatens Morocco’s Tourism Industry, World Bank Study Warns

Moroccan tourism will be hit hard by the adverse effects of climate change. This will result in a decrease in the number of tourists visiting Morocco. According to a study by the World Bank, climate change is leading to rising temperatures and worsening weather conditions, which could encourage tourists to change their destination. The Moroccan coast, which is home to about 80% of the country’s industries and contributes about 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP), is particularly exposed to the risks associated with the effects of climate change, the World Bank said.

As a result, a decrease in the number of incoming tourists between 8% and 18%, due to climate change, could lead to job losses between 14% and 32% in hotels and restaurants by 2035. "Small businesses, which often lack the financial capacity to cope with major crises, are at high risk of having to close their doors," the report warns. Other sub-sectors, such as arts, entertainment, transportation and other services, will be severely affected due to the drop in tourism spending caused by climate change, the study says.

To prevent this situation, the World Bank stresses the need for the coastal tourism sector in Morocco to develop its resilience, especially for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Strengthening resilience requires preparing tourism infrastructure to better withstand high temperatures and transforming current coastal tourism offerings into more sustainable and resilient models, the report suggests.

The World Bank makes recommendations that could help the Moroccan government implement the ambitious 2023-2026 strategic tourism roadmap, including investments, policy and institutional frameworks, the development of eco-tourism, as well as the use of traditional building materials and cooling techniques.