Morocco to Implement Surprise Inspections for All Tourist Accommodations

According to Médias24, calls for tenders will soon be launched to recruit private companies that will be responsible for conducting these operations, which are part of a common approach to controlling tourist accommodation establishments. These actions will be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the new law 80-14 aimed at strengthening the quality and management of these establishments. Classified hotels as well as Airbnb and other informal rentals are concerned by these control operations.

Some hoteliers welcome the advent of this law published on May 27 in the Official Bulletin, which repeals law 61-00. However, they disapprove of organizing only one mystery visit and note the absence of a classification for furnished apartments like Airbnb. According to a source, this law brings three major innovations. The first concerns the disappearance of the three categories in favor of a classification for all types of tourist accommodation.

"Until now, only hotels were subject to the star rating system and all other places were classified by category. With this law, all accommodations such as apart-hotels, riads, guest houses, and campgrounds will be listed by stars," the source explains. The second novelty relates to a new classification of riads and kasbahs that were previously listed in the guest house category. The third change is the introduction of a surprise visit aimed particularly at controlling the quality of services in establishments with at least 3 stars.

In case of an unfavorable report, a formal notice will be sent to the establishment’s manager to correct the irregularities noted. The ultimate goal is to bring these establishments up to standard and reclassify all accommodation facilities of at least 3 stars by 2027. Another innovation concerns the periodicity of classification, which will need to be renewed every five years to compel hoteliers to maintain their equipment.

Moreover, the law suffers from a major shortcoming: it has not regulated the Airbnb-type rental sector. "How is it possible that this law turns its back on nearly 50% of overnight stays made in unclassified furnished rentals?" wonders a major operator of this type of accommodation who believes that with this legal vacuum, at least 90% of professionals will remain in the informal sector. He invites the competent authorities to classify this type of accommodation as tourist establishments, just like hotels, riads, and other hotel residences.