An azure blue sky, palm trees against the backdrop of the Atlas or the ocean, restaurant terraces where you can lounge in the sun, swimming pools to relax in and large spaces to disconnect… Even if the state of health emergency has been extended until January 10 and restrictions still weigh on certain cities, Morocco is perfecting its postcard decor to welcome tourists for the end-of-year celebrations, counting on the last minute reservations to confirm already evident interest.

If the borders remain theoretically closed, Morocco authorizes travelers to enter provided they produce a negative PCR test less than 72 hours old (except children under 11 years old) and a confirmed reservation for a classified hotel and tourist establishment, including riads. Travelers must also bring a health information sheet required upon arrival.

On return, adults and children over 11 years old are required to provide the results of a PCR test less than 72 hours old (under penalty of being refused boarding), a certificate of exceptional international travel and a sworn declaration. The tests are carried out by private laboratories which provide the results in 24 to 48 hours (count 50 to 100 € per test) and can travel to hotels in certain cities.

While the number of weekly contaminations has been steadily declining for three weeks according to John Hopkins University and Morocco is preparing to begin a vaccination campaign, health pressure remains high. General measures – wearing a mask under penalty of a fine of around €30 (including in cars from two), physical distancing and strict protocols in public places – remain in force everywhere but certain cities such as Casablanca or Agadir are subject to more restrictive measures in addition: curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., closing of markets at 3 p.m., restaurants and cafes at 8 p.m.

In Agadir in particular, the extension of the closure of the beaches for two weeks was announced on December 5, leading to a cascade of cancellations in hotels welcoming surfers. While 65% of the park is operational, professionals however expect restrictions to be lifted from December 19 if the health situation improves, and the city prepares for the end-of-year holidays.

In Marrakech as in Essaouira, the constraints are lighter. Nightclubs and casinos in the ocher city keep their doors closed, but cafes and restaurants can stay open until 11 p.m. Golf courses are accessible as are spas (except hammams for the most part). Life therefore returns to its almost normal course. Most restaurants have reopened in the new town of Marrakech, particularly in the Hivernage district, a stronghold of nightlife. Just like the cultural places, Majorelle Garden, Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech Museum (mYSLm) and art galleries. We are even seeing new addresses, boutiques and designer cafés flourish. Transport between cities, subject to authorization, is also made easier as long as you go through the concierge desk of your hotel or the excursion desk.

“For a tourist, it’s business as usual but with the luxury of feeling like it’s low season. »

Grégoire Aubron, associate director of the Jardin des Douars

The medinas, on the other hand, far from their usual effervescence, are still playing the sleeping beauty, like in Marrakech, where riads, shops and cafes are reopening sparingly. But if certain key monuments, Saadian tombs, La Bahia palace or Ben Youssef madrasa are missing, other nuggets take over, such as the Secret Garden, the House of Photography or the Confluences Dar El Bacha museum.

The opportunity to enjoy less crowded places in complete peace and quiet. In Essaouira where the streets have regained color just like the ocean, a mecca for kite-surfing, “for a tourist, it’s business as usual but with the luxury of feeling like it’s low season”notes Grégoire Aubron, associate director of the Jardin des Douars.

source: lefigaro.fr