Upper-middle-class people in Morocco are going abroad to enjoy vacation

Friday, July 19, 2019

According to a declaration from the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT), Morocco, upper-middle-class people in Morocco are going abroad to enjoy vacation, to relish better quality holidays abroad at the same price.

Each year, Moroccans leaving for the summer is increasing, and the trend is creating a negative effect on the balance of the tourism industry in Morocco, says CNT.

“The trend is caused by growing competition from near and far destinations such as Spain, Turkey, and even Asia,” says the vice president of CNT, Fouzi Zemrani.

He also observed that as many Moroccans look to domestic destinations like Agadir, Taghazout, and Marrakech, where overnight stays cost somewhere between MAD 500-2000, international destinations are providing the same experience for less money, and often with a better quality of service.

Which countries are the major competitors for national tourism?
For Moroccans, Zemrani listed Turkey as one of the preferred tourist destinations, thanks to visa-free travel and low costs.

“Between the absence of a visa and only 4 hours by plane, this country that has a hard time has an incredible rating all year round, especially since it offers all-inclusive packages, for Moroccans to discover a country they often see in Turkish soap operas,” said the CNT representative.

“Between affordable prices, cleanliness, freedom, crafts … Turkey really has everything to please tourists and is becoming a real competitor for our national tourism,” says Zemrani, adding that Morocco should be encouraged by Turkey’s high tourist return rate.

Also, for Moroccans, he named Spain as one of the biggest tourist destinations, in spite of the visa requirements.

“As a receiving market for foreign tourists, Morocco has transformed itself into a powerful market that is not negligible, however, there is even talk of nearly a million Moroccans traveling abroad,” reiterated the vice president.

“The first to have understood this evolution are the Spaniards who, starting from April, organize Eductours all over Morocco. Their tour operators come and offer their products (hotel rooms, apartments …) to Moroccan travel agents.”

“In addition, representatives of several Spanish hotel chains in Morocco are also approaching local operators to send them customers, especially to the Costa Del Sol.”

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