Marrakech Sees Surge in Domestic Tourism During Off-Season

January will have been a fruitful month for small establishments. Many Moroccan tourists rushed to small hotels, riads or more affordable rentals. An "unusual affluence" during the low season. "It is rather the clubs with ’All inclusive’ formulas, the small establishments of less than 3 stars and the aparthotels, which have experienced a great influx of Moroccan tourists, with occupancy rates between 50% and 80%," specifies a hotelier to Médias24.

Another hotelier confirms: "If the Moroccan school holidays (January 20-29) contributed to the enthusiasm of domestic tourism, it is the first time that nationals have come in such large numbers and have helped to fill many small hotels in a period of low season". However, not all industry professionals have benefited from this upturn. The culprit, the furnished rentals booked on the internet.

"Given the very large number of Moroccan vacationers seen on the streets of Marrakech, it gives the impression that all hotels are full. But this is not the case; most have chosen furnished rentals on the internet," laments the manager of a small hotel. According to him, these formulas have cost him at least 50% of his usual turnover.