Marrakech Tourism Rebounds, Boosting Hope for Industry Recovery

In a statement to la Map, Soumia Samba, a businesswoman in tourism, indicates that the return of tourists after several months of inactivity due to the coronavirus and the resumption of hotel activities are a source of hope for all the components of the sector at the national level. "This is a strong signal and a window of opportunity that is now opening up for a deep and committed reflection on the resilience of a sector that plays a strategic and growing role as a lever for development in the country," she added.

Soumia Samba further specifies that it is urgent "to rethink a more efficient, more inclusive and more sustainable travel and hospitality industry". For the businesswoman, who has long been abroad, the future belongs to those who "believe in the luck they have, that of being in Morocco".

For his part, Abdelaziz Rghioui, Director of the Training and Qualification Center in the crafts trades of Marrakech, supports the fact that the resumption of tourism is relaunching the crafts sector, "a powerful economic player at the level of the Marrakech-Safi region insofar as it comes in second place after agriculture". According to the former regional director of crafts, the sector, quite vital for the national economy, is facing some small difficulties.

As for Fatiha El Jazouli, president of the women’s agricultural cooperative "Amasnighrem", the closure of hotels has strongly impacted the marketing of agricultural products from cooperatives. They represent a source of income for many families, including those from underprivileged rural areas. Since the relaunch of tourism, customers are placing regular orders for fruits and vegetables to the delight of farmers.