US Embassy Praises Moroccan Hospitality for Stranded American Tourists Amid COVID-19 Travel Ban

"[...] We would like to thank all the Moroccans of Marrakech and this extraordinary country for the kindness and generosity they have shown. Continue to show our fellow citizens," tweets the US Embassy in Morocco.

Following the embassy’s tweet, the comments are pouring in. "I am one of the many Americans still stuck here in Morocco, welcomed by a warm, generous and loving Moroccan family. I am and will be eternally grateful to Morocco and its people," testified an American.

"Please. All foreigners who come to our country are under our responsibility and we must take care of them until they return home safely," commented another Twitter user. Another added: "It is in times like these that we must show solidarity."

On March 15, Morocco had suspended all its international flights until further notice. As a result, thousands of tourists were stranded in the country. The United States had not organized repatriation flights for its nationals before March 20 and all special flights had been suspended on March 22. It was at this time that hotels offered free accommodation and meals to all tourists. "Generosity and hospitality are part of our Amazigh (Berber) Moroccan culture and traditions," said Jaafar Benamor, the hotel manager, to Morocco Wolrd News.