Morocco Sees Exodus of Vacationers as Domestic Tourism Struggles

Contacted by Tourisma Post, the Tourism Observatory confirms this downward trend in domestic tourism, without however providing figures. In July, many Moroccans left Morocco to spend their summer holidays in Europe, mainly in southern Spain. This rush to the Iberian peninsula, but also to Turkey and Portugal, continued in this month of August.

Moroccans have preferred these European tourist destinations due to the cheaper offer and the better quality of tourist services compared to Morocco. While hoteliers and restaurateurs complain about the scarcity of Moroccan tourists, travel agencies are rubbing their hands. "We are really surprised this year. More and more Moroccans are calling on our services to organize trips abroad for them. Middle class and upper class, they all have the same desires: to find a not too distant stay in quality hotel establishments at reasonable prices," confides a manager of a renowned agency.

And to add: "Those who have a visa opt for the Costa del Sol and many this summer for Majorca as well as for Portugal where the offers are attractive. The others, and they are many, opt for Turkey which is also a product that is doing well." Other Moroccans have a preference for long-haul destinations like Bali or Thailand. The exaggerated rise in prices and the poor quality of tourist services, as well as the poor maintenance of the beaches and their invasion by street vendors and parasol renters during the summer season, are among the reasons that would have pushed Moroccans to opt for vacations abroad.

"Even Moroccans abroad whose purchasing power is important during the summer season are less numerous this year," observes the same source. This situation is not without affecting Moroccan tourism professionals. In a recent report, the parliamentary thematic commission, in charge of evaluating public policy in the field of tourism, deplored the absence of a strategic plan to promote domestic tourism and offer quality and reasonably priced offers and services to Moroccan families.