Since November 2021, Moroccan borders have been closed. A decision justified by the appearance of the omicron variant which at the time shook the whole world. The measure, renewed until January 31, 2022, has terrible consequences on tourism. According to the city’s Hoteliers Association, of the 250 establishments in Marrakech, more than 110 hotels are currently closed.
A decision which, beyond the health aspect, caused a stir in the tourism sector.
« We are very disappointed by the extension of the closure, after yet more false hopes and despite calls from the entire profession to save our economy.
How many players will close their doors due to weariness or financial difficulties?« was then asked in December 2021on TourMaG.com, a Moroccan receptionist from the north of the country.
And after almost two months of closure, Marrakech is suffering cruelly from the absence of tourists. Especially since the aid of 200 euros per month for tourism stakeholders does not change much.
The city, which is highly dependent on activity, represents no less than 48% of accommodation capacity at the national level, except that without foreign travelers, these establishments are at a standstill.
That’s not all, because 90 hotel addresses only open on weekends.
To this disastrous figure, we must add the closure of 1,200 guest houses. The situation is catastrophic for the entire tourist ecosystem of the city.
The low activity of hotels leads to a chain reaction, with restaurateurs very harshly penalized. Of the 335 establishments, only a third are still open at present.
And the long litany, permanent and temporary closures, also affectstravel agencies, with curtains drawn for 250 points of sale.
Marrakech’s atrophied tourist activity has led to an increase in unemployment, with even a record figure. While it was 5.2% in 2019, in the second quarter of 2021, it exploded to freeze at 8.7%.
A general observation which matches that of a receptive person we contacted last December.
« The situation in Marrakech is… agony.
Riads close permanently, hotels and riads close during the week in order to prolong their existence before closing permanently. The situation is the same for carriages, restaurants, guides, museums, souks, travel agencies, tourist transport, etc.
The entire tourism industry is calling for the reopening of borders, » sums up a receptive response.
