Rabat – Historical sites in Marrakech are open for visitors once again after the damage sustained in the aftermath of the devastating September 8, earthquake.
According to a statement from the Culture Ministry, historic sites were reopened to Moroccan and international tourists on Sunday.
These sites include the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, and the Saadian Tombs, now open for visits by Moroccan and foreign tourists.
Visitors are already flocking to visit the reopened sites, the ministry explains. Between Sunday and Monday evenings, approximately 6,000 Moroccan and international visitors have frequented the sites.
Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, toured the Bahia Palace, Badi Palace, and Saadian Tombe, and oversaw the reopening.
On his tour, Bensaid had launched the program to restore the sites damaged during the earthquake last month.
Morocco’s Culture Minister, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid inspecting historic sites in Marrakech
Bensaid visited the tourist landmarks two weeks ago and inspected the ongoing renovation and restoration work. The initiatives will continue as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program aimed at meeting the expectations of both Moroccan and international tourists and visitors.
Restoring tourist sites is part of a broader program aiming to rehabilitate earthquake-struck areas.
Following the deadly earthquake that had claimed over 2,900 lives, Morocco launched an ambitious $12.7 billion program over five years to help affected regions bounce back.
Reopening of historic sites for visitors after earthquake
The country equally launched a special fund to raise money for the reconstruction of affected areas. On Monday, Morocco’s central bank governor, Abdellatif Jouahri announced that the fund raised over MAD 12 billion ($1.15 billion) from individual donations as well as public and private institutions.
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