Tangier’s Beaches Reopen, Boosting Morocco’s Tourism Recovery

Tourists are enthusiastically rediscovering the beaches of Tangier, which now have a more ecological appearance. The authorities took advantage of the closure period for health reasons to carry out some development work. Thus, the sand has become cleaner, the waters clearer and new facilities with showers have been installed, reports L’Economiste. Beautification work on the promenade has also been carried out, mainly at the Marina level where the ongoing work has been completed and even extended to Ghandouri.

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Since the beginning of the summer season, the trend has remained the same as in 2020 in Tetouan. The beaches of M’diq, Fnideq and Martil, which had not been subject to health restrictions, are experiencing the same high attendance recorded last year. The same is true of the pebbly beaches of Oued Laou or even Stehat, which have also been very crowded since the beginning of the season.

To read: Morocco Launches Recovery Plan to Boost Domestic Tourism This Summer

With the easing of travel restrictions, many tourists from the center, particularly from Casablanca and Rabat, preferred the beaches of the north to spend their summer vacation. The arrival of Moroccans living abroad also boosted tourism in the region and especially in Tangier. But the recovery of activities is timid at the level of hotel establishments, which do not seem to be taking advantage of this influx of visitors who, according to a promoter, prefer apartments to hotels.

To read: Morocco’s Tourism Chief Unveils Plan to Revitalize Sector Post-Pandemic

In reality, the rental of furnished apartments is proving to be a profitable activity this summer, particularly in the cities of Martil and M’diq. However, the nightly rates have risen by more than 50%, reaching 500 to 1000 DH for single rooms. Some residents of M’diq do not hesitate to rent out their apartments during the summer season and go to live in Tetouan until the end of the period. A practice that has a negative impact on the local economy, as the municipalities concerned are deprived of the significant income they need for their development.