Soaring Domestic Prices Drive Moroccan Tourists to Seek Affordable Vacations Abroad

Faced with the unfair competition between tourism providers in Morocco and in the absence of effective control, no measures have been initiated by the Ministry of Tourism to encourage domestic tourism, let alone to minimize the loss of foreign exchange generated by stays abroad.

The tourism sector in Morocco is experiencing real dumping, due to the astronomical rates displayed by some industry professionals. This erratic pricing policy, according to the Akhbarona website, also discourages both Moroccans living in the country and their compatriots residing abroad from seeking stays in the country within their budgets. They are forced to choose from the range of offers at the international level, in particular Spain and Turkey. The packages offered there are sometimes half the price, with, in addition, far superior services.

Consequently, each departure abroad requires foreign exchange provisions exceeding 1,000 euros per person, thus causing considerable losses to the Treasury. The foreign exchange earnings assured by Moroccans living abroad during the summer season will also result in a major shortfall for the State.

The site concludes that due to the actions of certain industry professionals and the lack of coercive measures and protection from the Ministry of Tourism, the losses caused by the departure of Moroccans to other destinations could cost the country dearly in terms of foreign exchange.