Morocco Tightens Tourist Guide Regulations, Sparking Industry Backlash

Tourist guides must now renew the authorization to practice their profession, reports La Vie Eco. This is what the government has decided, through the signing of the implementing decrees of law 05-12, related to the profession of tourist guide. According to these new texts, guides who were previously working with a permanent accreditation must now have their accreditations signed every three years, with, in addition, a commitment to undergo continuous training.

"The advisory council, which decides on the exams for the guides, is composed only of the president of the federation of guides, four directorates of the Ministry of Tourism, and a representative of the Ministry of the Interior," laments a Moroccan guide.

Other new measures have been taken by the supervisory authority. Thus, the federations of travel agencies and hoteliers, and the representative of the Ministry of Culture, previously represented on the council, have been excluded. Also, the profession which was for life, has become regulated and the retirement age set at 60 years.

In addition, the guides organized a session in Marrakech this Friday, February 7, with the presence of lawyers, in order to understand the new measures of the ministry and discuss the points of disagreement.