Morocco to Boost Internal Tourism, Year-Round Products

Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, said on Monday that internal tourism accounted for 30 million overnight stays, including various types of accommodation other than classified hotels.
In response to two oral questions on “internal tourism” at the Lower House, Ammor noted, “Moroccans are the primary customers of the country’s tourism sector.” She also highlighted that internal tourism has become a key driver of economic, social, and regional development, contributing to job creation and the revitalization of related sectors at the local level.
However, the minister pointed out that the tourism sector faces challenges related to seasonality, adding that data shows demand often exceeds current supply, especially during the summer holidays.
The Minister further highlighted that internal tourism is a priority in the Ministry’s new roadmap.
Ammor noted that “Seaside” and “Nature & Discovery” areas have been included in the roadmap to develop new tourism products that meet the needs of Moroccan tourists all over the year, not just during the summer season.
She outlined five major focus areas currently being developed. The first involves providing suitable accommodation by promoting investment in products highly valued by Moroccan tourists and regulating home-based lodging to lower the costs of tourism services.
In this regard, she highlighted efforts to accelerate the adoption of implementing regulations for Law No. 80.14, which would integrate new forms of accommodation, as well as efforts to enhance the attractiveness of tourism products through the promotion of old cities, the creation of tourist circuits, cultural activities, and the expansion of outdoor and sports activities.
The second focus area is strengthening air connectivity to improve links between Moroccan destinations and open up certain regions. The third involves including internal tourism in key projects outlined in the roadmap, such as DinoParc in Azilal, three natural parks in Ifrane, Toubkal, and Souss-Massa, eco-stations in Oukaïmeden and Khénifra, as well as two amusement parks in Casablanca and Marrakech.
The fourth focus area is improving tourism promotion in collaboration with Morocco’s National Tourism Office (ONMT), including the launch of the “Netla9aw f’bladna” (Let’s Meet in our Country) campaign, which promotes internal mobility between regions. The fifth focus area stands on strengthening qualified human resources, particularly tourist guides in cities, circuits, and natural areas.