Tourism/End of the year: Last-minute deals could turn the tide in Marrakech

TIt is peak season in Marrakech. The last six days of the year are an opportunity not to be missed for hotels. Usually, the “Ochre City” is almost fully booked two or three times a year: the end-of-year celebrations, in October/November, and in April. For this end of the year, Marrakech is not generating the usual enthusiasm and the city is not fully booked, unlike in previous years. The weather is not encouraging tourists to travel to Marrakech. Even regular visitors are surprised by the climate, which is limiting their activities. However, reservations in November were at a normal rate. The weather forecast has prompted potential customers to change their destination, according to one specialist. Despite this, hotel occupancy rates exceed 70%. Professionals obviously want to exceed this rate and have made price adjustments. Rain or shine, and like other popular destinations, Marrakech sets the pace for the holidays. Most hotels are decked out in holiday decorations, especially for New Year’s Eve on December 31, which is mandatory in some establishments, Prices range from 1,200 dirhams (USD 132) per person at Eden Andalous Marriott to 8,000 dirhams (USD 877) per person at La Galerie restaurant at La Mamounia. You can also celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Selman for 6,500 dirhams (USD 713) or at the Mandarin for 3,988 dirhams (USD 437). But the party isn’t just in the hotels. The ochre city is unbeatable during the holiday season. The number of restaurants, lounges, and nightclubs opening every day offers a wide choice. “ There is no secret. The leisure industry closely follows the hotel industry,” said a lady owning a restaurant. “ This competition can only be beneficial to the restaurant industry. ” Some restaurants have opened with heavy investment, while others promote references, sometimes justified and sometimes not. Until a few years ago, the difference was clear: gourmet restaurants were located in the maze of the medina, and restaurants with a lively atmosphere were located outside the ramparts. This is no longer the case. Marrakech has succumbed to the rooftop trend, both on the city side and on the medina side. I In fact, it’s difficult to name all the trendy nightlife hotspots that have sprung up around the city. A veritable “ nightlife society ” has taken root in this capital of tourism. And partygoers certainly aren’t complaining. For soccer fans, the Marrakech Fan Zone offers a festive atmosphere with live matches and evenings hosted by artists. It is also a great place to celebrate the end of the year.

Badra BERRISSOULE