Marrakech Tourism Struggles to Recover from COVID-19 Pandemic Slump

Before the health crisis took hold in Morocco, tourism professionals in Marrakech were expecting to have an exceptional year, with an increase in the number of tourists. But the Coronavirus decided otherwise. Measures have been taken by the authorities to limit the spread of Covid-19, seriously affecting the sector.

Marrakech, the most coveted Moroccan destination, seemed to have the air of a "soulless city". The time when residents and visitors struggled to find a place seems long gone. The mythical Jemaa El Fna square, which was always teeming with people, has never been so deserted, reports the MAP.

Very early on, professionals in the sector realized the situation and began to think about strategies to save what was left of the tourist season. A meeting was held in September to examine the state of the sector. It was attended by the Minister of Tourism, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, professionals and the Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region, Karim Kassi Lahlou. The work of this meeting focused on the plan to be adopted to save the 2020/2021 winter season. It revolves around the "3Rs": "Restart, Relaunch and Reinvent". "It is a question of restarting the ecosystem while respecting the barrier gestures and the health protocols established for this purpose.

Among the strategies put in place, there are those aimed at preserving jobs in the tourism sectors most affected, and the mobilization continues so that the other players in the value chain (tourist restaurants, crafts, entertainment and events...) are also covered, had noted the Regional Tourism Council. The Council has launched, in partnership with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), a communication campaign relayed on the media, social networks and on the "visitmarrakech" platform.

Professionals in the sector are also multiplying actions to stimulate jobs, encourage innovation and investment, rethink a more efficient, more sustainable and more inclusive travel and hospitality industry. The arrival of the first foreign tourists in October at the Marrakech-Menara international airport was proof that hope is allowed, and that in a few months, Marrakech will regain its place as the flagship of national tourism, the same source specifies.