Marrakech Tourism Industry Pushes for ’Responsible Recovery’ Amid Pandemic

In unison, tourism professionals have opted for a "responsible recovery" of their tourism sector with the watchword: restart, relaunch and reinvent. "It is a question of restarting, reopening and resolving to live with the virus, which is an imperative to get the ecosystem back on track in compliance with barrier gestures and health protocols, reconnect with international partners to regain our market shares and continue to act together, in particular for the lifting of travel restrictions and the restoration of confidence among travelers," the CRT said in a statement.

Even if the international economic and health situation is still uncertain, the CRT is convinced that some glimmers of hope are emerging for tourism professionals. It mentions the implementation of the program contract which constitutes a great asset for the preservation of employment in the tourism sectors most affected and the continuous mobilization so that the other actors of the value chain such as tourist restaurants, crafts, entertainment activities and events are also covered. The second positive sign is related to the gradual resumption of airlines.

At the local level, it should be noted that the Marrakech-Safi region has strengthened its health system and several tourist companies are deploying to resume their activities, the council said. Museums, restaurants and gardens are already reopening. On the accommodation side, about fifty units are already operational in strict compliance with the required health protocol. Major hotels and palaces such as the Royal Mansour, La Mamounia, the Fairmont, and the Four Seasons will reopen in the coming weeks.

"Aware of the need to reinvent themselves, professionals in the region have been working for several months on an acceleration plan, adapted to the situation," it is specified. This is a comprehensive recovery plan. The objective is to adapt the different destinations in the region, to stimulate jobs, to encourage innovation and investment, to rethink a more efficient, more sustainable and more inclusive travel and hospitality industry.