Ouarzazate, Morocco’s Film Hub, Reopens Hotels and Studios as Tourism Slowly Rebounds

On June 22, hotels, cafes and restaurants in Ouarzazate will reopen their doors, in compliance with health rules, reports L’Économiste. The governor of the city, Abderrazak El Manssouri, is the author of this "courageous" decision, taken in conjunction with the Regional Tourism Council (CRT) of Drâa-Tafilalet and the Provincial Tourism Council of Ouarzazate.

For the president of the CRT, Mohamed Takhchi, "it was time for activities to resume in the region, as covid-19 has disappeared from most tourist provinces". However, a timid resumption of activities is to be expected due to the ban on travel between cities still in effect and the borders that remain closed, warns Rahou Belghazi, president of the CPT of Ouarzazate.

According to the same source, tourism is vital for the region; and despite the difficulties, the players in the sector believe in the future. This is why, in addition to the hotel establishments, "the film studios will also resume service, in compliance with health rules and after authorization from the CCM", announces Belghazi.

In Ouarzazate, a city renowned for international film shoots, more than 90,000 people from various backgrounds live off the film industry.