Marrakech Tourism Plummets as Coronavirus Fears Spark Mass Cancellations

More than 10,000 cancellations have already been recorded by tourism professionals in Marrakech due to the coronavirus, reports L’Économiste. On March 2, the Hotel Industry Association (AIH) of Marrakech/Safi organized a crisis meeting bringing together these professionals, in order to take anticipatory measures.

Speaking on this occasion, President Salaheddine Naciri called for cohesion and vigilance, without succumbing to panic. More than the epidemic and the consequences of this disease, it is the fake news that risks making the destination and the economy suffer, comments Lahcen Zelmat, president of the National Federation of the Hotel Industry.

Together, tourism professionals have created a crisis cell in Marrakech to report information on cancellations and closely monitor the figures. Their wish is for the health and security authorities to join this cell.

It will have to wait until June or July for the visibility of the source markets before the summer holidays. This could lead to a recession during this period. However, optimism is gaining some hearts. "There was SARS, Ebola, terrorist attacks. Marrakech has always shown its resilience," says an expert, member of the monitoring and communication cell.