Morocco Restricts Travel to 8 Cities, Deals Blow to Domestic Tourism Hopes

The decision taken last Sunday to ban travel to and from eight cities in the kingdom is not without impacting domestic tourism during this summer period, reports the daily Al Ahdath Al Maghribia which explains that some destinations had already started the season with a lot of optimism. In the Souss, in Agadir, Taghazout in the North, Tifnit and Sidi Rbat in the South, and Aglou and Sidi Ifni a little further south, the influx was there.

Due to its stable epidemiological situation, the Souss region was on its way to becoming the tourist destination of the year. However, with the announcement of the decision to close several tourist cities, many vacationers have cut short their stay to go spend Eid Al-Adha with their families.

The efforts made by local operators to promote domestic tourism after the crisis have ultimately proved in vain. Discounts of up to 50%, an advertising campaign highlighting the assets of the region, development work undertaken by the local authorities... All of this will have served almost nothing.

In the north, the Tetouan coast has regained its usual gloom, with tourists having left earlier than expected, to the dismay of local operators who are heading towards certain bankruptcy.

To save what can still be saved, at least, the local authorities have authorized travel from Tetouan to the neighboring localities of Cabo Negro, Mdieq and Fnideq.