Morocco’s Northern Beach Towns See Sharp Decline in Summer Tourism

The low influx of tourists to Martil this summer has had a negative impact on the local economy. Owners of tourist residences and accommodation establishments fear that the situation will continue. Mohamed Achkour, a lawyer and municipal councilor, attributes responsibility for this decline in tourist flow to the municipality.

According to the official, tourism activity is sluggish due to "the lack of organization of the beaches, the lack of sanitary infrastructure and play areas for children, the occupation of the public domain, the congestion of the streets and alleys, the lack of organization of parking lots and the perception of profits without return on municipal revenues".

The local elected official added that "the increase in rents last year, as well as the cases of food poisoning reported at the beginning of the summer season in Martil, although they were isolated, have sent negative signals and have led many people to change their destination".

Achkour also indicated that "the development of the tourism sector in Martil and in the northern cities depends on the prohibition of the occupation of the beaches, the good organization of the parking lots, the monitoring of quality and prices", insisting moreover on the need to provide public toilets and showers, including for "people with special needs".