Tourism: Marrakech makes up for lost time
Despite the strong heat of July, Marrakech attracts international and domestic tourists. The destination continues on its upward trend in terms of arrivals and overnight stays. The clubs record occupancy rates of more than 80%, while in the other categories, this rate ranges between 50 and 60%. In the eyes of tourism professionals and in particular hoteliers, the occupancy rate is the true indicator of the health of tourism in Marrakech.
This rate rose from 58 to 63% over the first 6 months of the year. “It’s still not enough”, says Lahcen Zelmat, vice-president of the Marrakesh regional council for tourism (CRT), and president of the National federation of the hotel industry. Since the opening of the air borders, foreign tourists have returned, says the line department, and this is the case for all Moroccan tourist cities. The pace accelerated in June, a month which recorded more than 1,140,000 tourist arrivals with a growth of 5% compared to June 2019, insists the department of tourism. Moroccans residing abroad (MRA) contributed strongly to this growth, with the arrival of “620,000 MRA in June, representing a growth of 27% compared to June 2019”. These arrivals should experience a peak from August 15 2022 onwards. Marrakech monopolizes the lion’s share thanks to its hotel infrastructure, its parks, its swimming pools, and its nightlife. In Marrakech, it must be said that the professionals who have shown themselves to be resilient during the crisis despite closures during the periods of the pandemic, make the “Ocher City” a special case in the development of Moroccan tourism.
Marrakech is gradually regaining its health. Its Jemaa El Fna square has regained its soul and its collective identity with its shows and restaurants. The great monuments are also regaining vigor, like the Ben Youssef madrasa, which reopened after a rehabilitation that lasted 4 years. In the heart of the old medina of the Ocher City, this madrasa is also a jewel of arab-andalusian architecture dating back more than four centuries. Finally, the outlook for september and october is good, according to a local tour operator. The Ocher City should regain its place as the african capital of events. For their part, professionals hope to exceed the 60% mark as an occupancy rate and regain the confidence of investors.
Badra BERRISSOULE
