Morocco Extends Border Closure, Devastating Tourism Industry Hopes

"We are very disappointed by the extension of the closure, after more false hopes and despite the calls from the entire profession to save our economy. How many players will close their doors out of weariness or financial difficulties?" rages a northern Moroccan receptive. Once again, tourism operators will not be able to take advantage of the holidays to make big sales. "For two years, they (the country’s leaders, editor’s note) have canceled all the holidays (closing the sky in March 2020, then March 2021, summer and December). At this rate, the providers will all close shop," fumes Yasmine, boss of RIF Planète.

The decisions of the Moroccan authorities regarding the suspension of flights to and from Morocco are causing incomprehension in a country where the good management of the Covid-19 pandemic is praised. This situation is putting professionals in the sector in difficulty. "Tourist carriers have sold and dumped their fleets, some banks have even seized vehicles. Meanwhile, the hotel industry is in bad shape," confides to TourMag Emmanuelle Barat, project manager at Authentik Traveller. "Within the Regional Association of Travel Agencies of Marrakech - Safi (ARAVMS), we note that 50% of travel agencies (80% are receptives, editor’s note) will or have already filed for bankruptcy," laments Jean-Pierre Champert.

Professionals express strong concerns about the future of the sector. "We are losing the confidence of our customers and French travel agencies. In the end, they have created a psychological barrier that is likely to penalize the destination. We will suffer the consequences in the future," thinks Emmanuelle Barat. The general manager of Sport Travel, Jean-Pierre Champert, on the other hand, is rather optimistic. "Each time there was an opening, the customers came back right away. I’m rather optimistic, because the French love Morocco. The current challenge is to save the companies".