Iconic Horse-Drawn Carriages Remain Vital to Marrakech’s Tourism and Heritage

It is the preferred mode of transportation for both Moroccan and foreign visitors in the city of Marrakech. The carriage has established itself in the urban landscape of the city for decades. In addition to the ecological aspect, the "koutchis" allow visitors to admire the ramparts of the millennium-old city with international tourist appeal and the countless historical and natural sites.

Marrakech offers a perfect harmony between modernity and authenticity thanks to the carriage, which stands out as "a true intangible heritage", making it a magical and attractive city. Observers and researchers argue that the appearance of carriages dates back to the 19th century, which makes it an integral part of the cultural heritage of the ochre city.

In a statement to MAP, Mr. Hassan Lakhdar, president of the Professional Association of Carriage Owners and Drivers in Marrakech, explains that the "koutchi" previously served as a means of transporting residents within the city, adding that it still plays a crucial role in the tourism sector by allowing users to discover the assets of the city of the "seven saints".

According to Lakhdar, the carriage has evolved thanks to the support of the Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature (SPANA), which organizes the technical inspection of the vehicles every four months, and grants health booklets to the drivers, as well as the organization of annual competitions to reward the most beautiful teams and mounts and the best driver.

He will then say that the State pays attention to this tourism-related activity. It provides the owners with the necessary assistance to continue their activity, and to enable them to cope with the negative effects of the health crisis caused by the spread of Covid-19 on the local economy in general, and the tourism sector in particular.

It appears imperative to restructure the tourism sub-sector by creating good working conditions for carriage drivers. The profession is called upon to evolve in order to be able to adapt to the major changes in the tourism sector. Meanwhile, the sound of hooves echoes as if to say "Marrakech! You will not live without us."