Marrakech Tourism Struggles to Rebound as Travel Restrictions Persist

Even though the arrival of the first foreign tourists is reassuring for the revival of the tourism sector, the battle is far from won. The requirement to "present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours at boarding" is hampering the process, as it takes more than three days to obtain test results. The observation is more palpable among travelers from France, according to L’Economiste.

The French Tour Operators’ Union (SETO) is thus urging Royal Air Maroc to provide more support to boost the revival of Moroccan tourism in the French market, with entry procedures adapted to tourism, that is, "a test on arrival, rather than a test on departure," the daily specified, indicating that other airlines have resumed some routes as part of special flights, without waiting for the implementation of these procedures. This is actually a relief for professionals, particularly at a time when the trend for these holidays is towards wide open spaces and luxury accommodations.

But is Marrakech able to welcome tourists again? The question is of concern since, apart from hotel establishments, tourists also want to discover the identity of Marrakech, its culture and its monuments, whose spaces remain closed due to the health crisis.

It would therefore be imperative to "work to ensure that these buildings reopen their doors and that the circuits so sought after by tourists are controlled, to ensure health safety for all," concludes the daily.