Moroccan Hotel Industry in Crisis as Government Promises Fall Short

The hotel industry is in dire straits and the players fear the worst. Lahcen Zelmat, the president of the National Federation of the Hotel Industry, believes that the government has completely forgotten the promises made to revive the sector. The professionals say they are waiting for a shock therapy, but nothing at all. "We have the impression that as long as the civil servants are well paid, and above all paid on time, the rest is no longer important for this government. Unfortunately, so far it’s just a show," he says.

Before the end of the year, the majority of establishments will be forced to close, not having enough means to cope with expenses such as paying employees. They hope that the Council of Government next Thursday could take a look at the troubles of the tourism sector and bring a little hope to all those whose income depends on the good health of tourism, reports challenge.ma.

For the players in the sector, the government has a role to play but the future of tourism also depends on the full reopening of air borders. And the fact that travel between certain cities is prohibited, is giving the tourism industry a hard time. The president of the National Federation of the Hotel Industry said that according to the statistics established, more than 150 hotels are about to close permanently, according to the same source.