Morocco: When the earth trembles, tourism wavers

Marrakech, a very popular destination for tourists, and several other cities in the country such as Agadir were affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that occurred on Friday after 11 p.m., and whose toll continues to rise. In a statement released on Saturday evening, the Ministry of the Interior indicates that the toll has risen to 2,122 dead and 2,421 injured. "Thanks to the strict safety standards and preparedness measures in place in our establishments, no deaths have been recorded in Moroccan hotels," the National Federation of the Hotel Industry (FNIH) said in a statement. Our dedicated accommodation staff remain fully mobilized to reassure our precious guests, and this mobilization will continue in the days to come."

Despite the assurances of the FNIH, tourists are worried. As a result, several tourist departures have already been recorded in tourist establishments in Marrakech and Agadir, reports Le Matin. Information confirmed by the FNIH which indicates that professionals have provided "all their assistance to clients who have chosen to return to their country in this difficult period." Following the recommendation of the French Union of Tour Operating Companies (Seto), which brings together the main tour operators in the country, tour operators have offered their clients the possibility of postponing their departure until September 11 without charge.

Cancellations of stays could be recorded in the next few days. "We will have to have more visibility on the cancellations over the next three or four days," says one operator in the city of Agadir. The Ministry of Tourism and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) must take the measure of the situation. "The leaders who preside over the destinies of the sector must react quickly by communicating and highlighting favorable elements such as the responsiveness of the authorities, the absence of human losses among tourists, the absence of damage to the hotel infrastructure or the maintenance of air links," says Zoubir Bouhoute, an expert in the field of tourism.

He insists: "To reassure the markets, it is imperative to establish transparent communication with the main source markets and also to set up a crisis unit to manage the situation effectively." Despite the uncertainties, hoteliers are optimistic. "We will overcome this ordeal and continue to work to ensure the safety and well-being of all our visitors," the FNIH said. And to add: "Our priority commitment remains to ensure the comfort, safety and well-being of our clients and our staff. We will continue to work in this direction, thus strengthening our industry and our country."