Hotel establishments in tourist towns are posting record occupancy rates, driven by strong national and international demand. This is the observation established by professionals in the sector, requested by Le360which welcome a dynamism benefiting not only accommodation, but also the entire value chain.
«As the end-of-year holidays approach, the Moroccan tourism sector is operating at full capacity. More and more overnight stays, crowded restaurants, crowded historical monuments: so many external signs of prosperity which reflect real economic effervescence. Between the influx of foreign currency, job creation and diversification of the offer, Morocco seems to be further consolidating its rank as a flagship destination at the end of the year.», immediately summarizes Zoubir Bouhoute, analyst of tourist flows and source markets.
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According to several operators surveyed, this influx results in particular from Morocco’s good international reputation, a promotion strategy supported by institutional actors, in particular the supervisory authority and the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), and continuous improvement. air connections. They claim that the country attracts an increasingly diverse audience: German, Austrian, Spanish, Italian and even Japanese tourists. At the same time, internal demand, driven by a Moroccan middle class in search of new experiences, also contributes to this end-of-year dynamic.
In the ocher city, the festive atmosphere is at its height, and that’s to say the least. “Most tourist establishments in Marrakech are full. Reservations have surged in recent weeks, proof that the Kingdom’s tourist capital still benefits from solid attractiveness, thanks to a wide range of cultural and leisure activities.», confirms Zoubir Bouhoute.
The spiritual capital is not left out. In a riad, a French tourist met there confided: “I chose a hotel close to the medina so that I could take full advantage of the many points of historical interest. And I am impressed by the kindness of the locals, we really feel at home.»
(Y.Jaoual/Le360)
An observation reinforced by Aziz Lebbar, tourism actor in Fez: “Most establishments are full. This demand comes from both Moroccan tourists and international travelers. We are seeing a real craze for guest houses and homestay accommodation, which allow total immersion in local life. In addition, the city’s historical monuments are attracting growing interest, reinforcing the appeal of Fez for those seeking an experience that is both enriching and exotic. In fact, each visitor staying in the medina brings to life an entire ecosystem: small businesses, artisanal stalls, local guides… A ripple effect which has a positive impact on the regional economy.»
Agadir is also experiencing increasing attendance. Several tourists interviewed speak of a temperate climate ideal for escaping the European winter and a hotel offering adapted to all budgets. “We are full, even more than last year. This season is very positive, notably thanks to a renewed interest from certain foreign markets, such as the British market, which benefits from better air connections», Rejoices Mohammed Khalf Allah, director of a hotel unit in the region.
This attraction for Agadir benefits a wide range of activities: catering, outdoor excursions, surfing, thalassotherapy, without forgetting cultural events. According to Omar Azizi, director of a hotel unit, “we note an influx not only of German and Spanish tourists, but also of Austrians, Italians, Japanese… It’s a real cultural mix».
(M.Oubarka/Le360)
Economically, this plurality of visitors supports consumption in various segments: transport, crafts, catering and even cultural shows. It also contributes to the growth of local employment, whether in the hotel industry, tourist guidance or related services (private transfers, rental agencies, etc.).
Beyond these historic tourist centers, other destinations such as Essaouira, Ouarzazate or even the mountainous regions of the Atlas are also beginning to do well, taking advantage of Morocco’s growing international notoriety and the curiosity of travelers for atypical experiences.
(Y.Jaoual/Le360)
«This diversification of the offer contributes to a better spread of tourist flows throughout the territory, avoiding saturation of the most popular sites and boosting local economies in a more balanced way.», observes Zoubir Bouhoute.
What operators are proposing to maintain this dynamic
This is why professionals in the sector are banking on several factors to maintain this course. These include the continued improvement of air connectivity through the opening of new regular lines and seasonal services to European, Asian and Middle Eastern cities. It is also a question of promoting sustainable tourism, promoting natural and cultural heritage, and promoting direct economic benefits for local populations, and of relying on training and increasing the skills of human resources, concludes Zoubir Bouhoute .
