Mountain tourism facing the climate challenge

The lack of snow and rain has significant consequences on mountain tourist activities in our country. Ski resorts, such as: Oukaïmeden and Ifrane, are directly impacted by the virtual absence of snow, leading to a significant drop in tourist numbers during the winter period. Tourism professionals (ski instructors, restaurateurs, hoteliers, equipment rental companies) are particularly affected by this situation, which can represent up to 70% of their turnover.

We have also observed an evolution in tourist expectations in recent years. They are looking for more diverse experiences and want to discover a multitude of facets of a destination in a limited time, fifteen days maximum. Mountain tourism only represents part of their stay, and its duration is often reduced to two days on average.

The optimism of tourism professionals is often linked to weather forecasts. Snowfall warnings generate renewed interest and can cause activities to be concentrated into short periods. Beyond the tourism sector, the economic consequences of the lack of snow have repercussions on local employment and the economic development of mountainous regions.

Tourism being a private sector, mountain stakeholders are actively seeking solutions to diversify their activities. In regions where agriculture and tourism are the pillars of the local economy, drought has a considerable impact. Mountain guides, in particular, are facing a reduction in their activity.

As you know, tourist guides are divided between city guides and tourist circuits and natural area guides. Although Law 05.12 relating to the organization of tourist guides offers a possibility of professional retraining, its application is still awaited.

Many experienced guides wish to change their specialty but are blocked by the absence of regulatory text. We recently demonstrated, on December 4, in front of the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism, to demand the acceleration of this procedure. In the meantime, we work closely with travel agencies.

To face these challenges, it is essential to develop a strategy for diversifying mountain tourism activities. This can involve promoting other outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, etc.), developing cultural and heritage tourism, or even organizing events throughout the year.

Services must be developed quantitatively and qualitatively throughout the year. We need to encourage the creation and classification of quality guest houses, in order to offer a warm and authentic welcome to visitors. We should consider supporting project leaders in mountainous regions by providing them with the tools and resources necessary to develop innovative and environmentally friendly tourism activities.

The inhabitants of the villages must also preserve these natural resources, by involving them in the management of said natural resources and in tourism development, so that they become true ambassadors of their territory.

Travel agencies have a key role to play. They should be encouraged to integrate mountain stays into their offers, with an emphasis on lesser-known destinations in the Small Atlas, the Middle Atlas and the Great Atlas. Without forgetting to support residents in the event of a natural disaster: earthquake, floods, fires…to help them continue their activities.