Marrakech Tourism at Risk: Study Reveals Major Flaws in Popular Destination

Classified as a major tourist destination, the city of Marrakech risks losing its reputation. Worse, it could be banned from the list of tourists. And for good reason! L’Économiste mentions several deficiencies that are discussed in salons and conferences, without providing solutions. Meanwhile, the situation on the ground is deteriorating and the city’s image is taking a serious blow. Among other things, it is, notes the media, the insecurity in the medina, harassment, scams, the incivility of motorcycles, the deteriorating service in some hotels and restaurants, the informal sector, the chaotic traffic... A non-exhaustive list, but one that nevertheless leaves much to be desired.

Ahmed Nait is a travel agent and chairman of the product commission in Marrakech. According to him, these shortcomings are found in the complaints of tourists, particularly on Tripadvisor. "It is unpleasant to walk around the medina," he admits before concluding: "we need a real upgrade that must start with the attitude of the people of Marrakech, as well as a reorganization of services, to maintain the reputation of the destination".

Several other unfortunate testimonies come from tourists who came to Marrakech for its charm and legendary hospitality. "Taxis bargain prices 10 times higher than the legal prices," complained one tourist. "I was harassed throughout my stay, I won’t come back," laments another. "We had a phone stolen by a young person and an accomplice intervened to recover it and then asked me for money," describes a third. Others say they were surprised by the "false bills and exorbitantly high prices". Meanwhile, reports L’Économiste, "the pollution caused by scooters makes the air unbreathable and walking dangerous" while in the medina, "motorcyclists and tricycles drive at high speed in the alleys, risking terrorizing tourists".

Another equally distressing factor is the bad faith of the taxis who revise the fares upwards for the tourist. But also and above all, the chaos of these same taxis who, at the airport already, fight over clients in verbal violence, often coming to blows, reports the same source. Statements and findings that contrast with all the good that is said about the ochre city, presented as one of the best destinations in the world. The most distressing thing is the passive attitude of the authorities who are nevertheless very well informed of all these discredits that tarnish the city’s reputation.