Rabat - Amid ongoing unrest in the Rif region, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a number of “urgent measures" to revive tourism in the city of Al Hoceima.
Rabat – Amid ongoing unrest in the Rif region, the Ministry of Tourism is taking a number of “urgent measures” to revive tourism in the city of Al Hoceima.
The Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicrafts and Social Economy, Mohamed Sajid, has just announced the imminent launch of two additional domestic flights as of next week at a competitive prices, as well as special packages in travel agencies and promotional campaigns in Morocco and abroad.
“Urgent measures will be taken to save the current summer season and promote the tourism sector in the city of Al Hoceima and its region,” Sajid stated on Monday in Al Hoceima after an official meeting held in the headquarters of the province council.
Promote tourists to reconnect with the destination of Al Hoceima and listen to the professionals of the sector. These were the two main objectives of the meeting.
The first steps of the implementation of these measures were the launching of a Casablanca-Al Hoceima direct flight at MAD 400, and Tangier-Al Hoceima at MAD 300. The new flights will be operated by the national airline, Royal Air Maroc, as of Monday.
This initiative aims to contribute to the opening up of the destination and will be complemented by other measures, in particular the reduction of airport taxes, says a statement of the Ministry of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicrafts and Social Economy published today by Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP).
Sajid added that other actions are being finalized with local actors to launch a promotional campaign to boost the destination of Al Hoceima.
After the shocking images spread online showing police officers chasing protesters down the beaches of the city, Moroccan social media users expressed their concern about the tourist image of the city.
As Al Hoceima embarks on its ninth month of protests, the region has taken a rough blow to its economy. Tourism, which is already stagnant in the region, is one of the sectors directly affected.
“The region has a great tourism potential which must be valued to make it an important regional platform,” said the minister, recalling the efforts provided by local authorities and professionals through projects carried out or others underway.
The minister also stressed the need to encourage Moroccan tourists to visit the region, noting that the organization of cultural and sporting events is likely to enhance the attractiveness of the region.
