Morocco's Internal Tourism Thrives During Mid-Term Break
As the mid-term break approaches in Morocco, many families are seeking out new and diverse destinations, moving away from their typical summer vacation spots. This shift in travel preferences often leads families to explore Morocco's rich cultural heritage in cities such as Fez and Meknes, or to enjoy the serene mountainous landscapes found in Ifrane, Azrou, and other picturesque towns like Boulemane and Taza. The eastern regions, including Zakoura and Arfoud, are also becoming increasingly popular due to their unique tourist attractions, captivating those who seek an adventure in Morocco's stunning interior.
The Fez-Meknes region is experiencing a significant surge in tourism, boasting high occupancy rates in hotels and riads, especially following Fez's recent recognition as the fourth-best cultural destination globally. Internal tourist hotspots, including Marrakech and the breathtaking waterfalls of Beni Mellal, are witnessing considerable interest as well. Ahmed Senetissi, the President of the Regional Tourism Council for the Fez-Meknes region, noted in a telephone interview with Le360 that the tourism sector is currently thriving, particularly in Fez, where hotel occupancy rates have soared between 80% to 90%.
Senetissi elaborated on the influx of visitors during this holiday season, with many coming from major cities like Casablanca and Rabat to enjoy various festivals or simply to spend time in nature. Furthermore, there are ongoing efforts to enhance the tourism offerings in the region, including the anticipated launch of a new direct flight connecting Germany and Fez, which aims to encourage the Moroccan diaspora to visit this beautiful area.
The support from institutional partners, the Ministry of Tourism, local authorities, and the regional council plays a vital role in boosting the tourism and cultural sectors, enhancing the appeal of the region for both domestic and international tourists. Continuous efforts are being made to create tourist maps of the ancient cities in the region, promote Fez, Meknes, and Ifrane through advertisements, and share engaging video content on social media platforms. The ultimate goal is to elevate the Fez-Meknes region to the forefront of national tourism, as it is home to two ancient cities and accounts for approximately 40% of the country's historical monuments. Additionally, the stunning natural beauty found in towns like Ifrane, Taza, Boulemane, Taounate, and Hajjab, along with the therapeutic tourism offered in Moulay Yacoub, are significant attractions. Senetissi emphasizes the importance of promoting internal tourism to highlight these cultural treasures, reminding potential visitors that there are options to suit all budgets, from luxurious five-star hotels and historic riads to affordable guesthouses across the region.
On another note, Abdel Rahim Soukani, a representative of the Regional Association of Travel Agencies in the Casablanca-Settat region, stated in a conversation with Le360 that internal tourism during the school holiday period is focused on specific destinations such as Marrakech, which sees the highest influx of visitors. Travelers are also drawn to waterfalls and mountainous areas like Beni Mellal, along with other cities such as Merzouga and Arfoud, which benefit from organized weekly trips due to improved weather conditions and moderate temperatures.
Regarding whether travel agencies are taking advantage of this period to promote exclusive offers, Soukani clarified that there are no special promotional deals or discounts for this short holiday, as summer promotions have already concluded. Pricing is determined by the law of supply and demand; thus, as demand increases, so do prices. Conversely, during periods of low demand, the market returns to regular pricing. He also noted that the infrastructure and pricing remain accessible for Moroccans eager to discover their country’s tourism potential year-round. During this time, the focus is more on external tourism and welcoming foreign visitors, as their travel season to Morocco typically begins at this time of year.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
