Morocco’s Tourism Industry Struggles as Domestic Travel Declines Amid Rising Costs

In mid-July and a few days before the month of August, the summer season is struggling to take off in Morocco. This summer, the influx is not there. Tourism professionals are the first to suffer. "There is still nothing [...] and the season is about to end," complains one of them to Al Ahdath Al Maghribia. "For the moment, we are trying to get by with those who have second homes in the main tourist destinations," consoles a tour operator.

The reasons for the low influx of domestic tourists this summer are diverse. While some professionals attribute this situation to the delay in the end-of-year exams, the vast majority are convinced that the early payment of June salaries on the occasion of Eid al-Adha justifies this gloom. Most households seem to have spent the bulk of their income to celebrate this holiday, forgetting to save for their holidays.

According to a recent survey by the High Commission for Planning (HCP), more than 92% of Moroccan households will not be able to save in the next 12 months. Another study by the same organization reveals that nearly 50% of households go into debt each month to meet their basic needs, particularly to ensure their food.