Morocco’s LGBTQ+ Tourism Shift: From ’Paradise’ to Precarious Destination

Morocco is among the iconic tourist destinations that criminalize homosexuality. In Morocco, homosexuality is a criminal offense prohibited by Article 489 of the Penal Code which states: "is punished by imprisonment of six months to three years and a fine of 120 to 1000 dirhams, unless the act constitutes a more serious offense, anyone who commits an indecent or unnatural act with an individual of the same sex." But in the past, the kingdom was a "gay paradise". "In the early 20th century, cities like Tangier were ’gay paradises’ for fashion designers who had fled conservative Western countries. One of Marrakech’s main tourist sites is the Majorelle Garden, where the ashes of former owner Yves Saint-Laurent were scattered by his former partner, Pierre Bergé," says CNN Travel.

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In 2020, the first LGBTQ+ travel agency was born. It is Inclusive Maroc, whose founders are Bilal El Hammoumy and Rania Chentouf, both homosexual. "As members of the community, we thought we would better understand how to approach it," explains El Hammoumy. "Morocco is a country where tolerance is practiced, but not preached." However, there are fears. "We understood the clients’ fears, but on the other hand, it was important to create a space where the local LGBT community can be involved in training programs and employment opportunities," he added. El Hammoumy also states that Moroccan hotels generally accept same-sex couples, but those they work with undergo additional training to ensure the comfort of travelers. On the other hand, "some guides have chosen not to work with them when they explain their clientele," he continued, noting however that "visiting destinations can change mentalities."

According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), which counts the UN member states, there are 62 countries in the world that still criminalize (or de facto criminalize) homosexuality. Human Dignity Trust counts 64. Twelve of them, such as the United Arab Emirates, a very touristy country; Qatar, whose airline has recently been named the best in the world, could even impose the death penalty for homosexual practice.