Morocco’s coastal tourism industry could lose as many as 180,800 jobs, a staggering 32% of its workforce, by 2035 due to climate-related risks, according to a recent report from the World Bank (WB).
The country’s coastal areas are critical economic engines, making up 59% of Morocco’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 81% of its industrial activity.
However, coastal regions are now vulnerable to the escalating effects of climate change, which threaten both their ecological stability and economy.
Rising temperatures and an increase in extreme weather events are intensifying the pressure on coastal ecosystems. Recent analyses indicate that tourist spending could plummet by 8–18% over the next decade, as tourists shy away from destinations exposed to coastal erosion, flooding, and unpredictable weather patterns.
The tourism sector is not just an economic driver but also a vital source of employment, providing over 565,000 direct jobs, with 300,000 jobs tied specifically to coastal tourism.
The WB report warns that failure to address these climate risks could jeopardize jobs that are essential to the livelihoods of countless families.
The implications for the hospitality industry are of particular concern. Small enterprises, often the backbone of Morocco’s tourism sector, are particularly susceptible to financial shocks and may struggle to survive significant declines in tourist traffic.
Accommodations and food services are expected to face the steepest job losses, projected in excess of 32% under the worst-case scenarios.
In addition, the repercussions of the climate crisis are disproportionately felt by marginalized populations. Studies indicate that women, youth, and low-income workers are more likely to experience job losses during economic downturns, further compounding issues of social inequality.
In response to the climate risk, the Moroccan government has initiated discussions to enhance the climate resilience of its coastal tourism sector.
The Interministerial Commission for the Blue Economy is charged with developing a strategy to address these risks while unlocking the potential of the blue economy.