Moroccan Desert Oasis Merzouga Struggles as Tourism Plummets Amid Health Crisis

Hassan El Ansari, an expert in sand therapy or curative burial in the sands of this region, in a statement to MAP, expressed his deep concern about the situation, even if the timid recovery of domestic tourists to this destination in recent months gives him a glimmer of optimism. In the same vein, Hamid, owner of several camels in Merzouga, says that only the arrival of domestic tourists, more present in this locality, can make it possible to offset part of the losses recorded in recent times and to emerge from this crisis, citing the case of Hamza, a lover of Merzouga, who came from Casablanca with his friends to discover the sublime landscapes of this region.

"Our activity in Merzouga mainly depends on the arrival of tourists attracted by the sand baths, camel rides, encounters with nomads or outings on quads and off-road vehicles," Hamid recalled, hoping that the next summer season will sound the return of visitors.

Mohamed, originally from Erfoud, dazzled by the dunes of Merzouga and its therapeutic sand baths, has been living there for years and has become a local expert in sand therapy. He also indicated that the fine sand of Merzouga, with its therapeutic virtues, represents a source of income, because it is highly appreciated by foreign tourists. Thus, despite the impacts of the health crisis on the activities of the region, a glimmer of hope begins to illuminate the faces of the players.