Morocco Revolutionizes Tourism: New Star Rating System Unifies Riads and Hotels

"Our ambition through these decrees is to trigger a real qualitative revolution in Moroccan tourist accommodation. We want our establishments to be up to the expectations of our tourists, regardless of their origin," explained Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, to the MAP. According to the official, two major innovations have been made to the tourism offering: a star rating system that will apply to all tourist accommodation establishments and regular mystery visits to evaluate quality.

Thanks to the harmonization of the rating system, riads, guest houses, kasbahs and other traditional accommodation establishments will now benefit from the same star rating system as classic hotels. "Before, riads, guest houses or kasbahs had their own rating system, which created confusion for travelers. A tourist looking for quality accommodation in Morocco had difficulty comparing a riad and a hotel, or even with what he knew abroad. Today, with the harmonization in stars, we simplify things for tourists and boost our attractiveness," explained the minister.

In other words, tourists have the possibility to choose with full transparency, based on a universal reference system that they understand, namely the stars, which allows Morocco to establish itself even more among the major international destinations, with a clear and readable offer. For professionals, it is a huge opportunity, as a 5-star riad will be recognized at its true value, just like a 5-star hotel, Ammor added.

The introduction of mystery visits is the other advance. These secret visits will be integrated into the new quality service evaluation procedures. "Today, a tourist does not choose accommodation just for its setting or facilities, but chooses a global experience," the minister pointed out. According to her, this system offers a double guarantee: for travelers, an establishment with stars will have to justify them on the ground, with a homogeneous quality whether in Marrakech, in the desert, by the sea or in the hinterland, and for the sector as a whole, a constant incentive to excellence.

A transitional period of 24 months will be granted to professionals so that they can comply with these new standards. The rating will no longer be granted definitively and will undergo regular re-evaluation, as quality is by nature a continuous effort, the minister said, specifying that the re-evaluation will be carried out after 7 years for new establishments, then every 5 years. A great reform indeed.