Minister Ammor: Sustainable Tourism Is Paramount Focus for Morocco

Rabat – Today, Moroccan Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor underscored that sustainability stands as a paramount focus within the nation’s tourism sector, rooted deeply in the abundance of its natural and cultural assets.

“In today’s context, the growing interest in ecotourism signifies a greater awareness of environmental concerns and a shared responsibility to safeguard our natural resources. Both tourists and local residents seek tourism practices that are environmentally friendly and respectful towards local communities,” Ammor expressed in an interview with MAP.

She highlighted that there is a growing demand for experiences that blend discovery, support for local communities, and a reduced carbon footprint, marking a significant trend.

“In alignment with Morocco’s national sustainable development strategy, our plan places sustainability at its heart. We have implemented a comprehensive cross-sector initiative focused on sustainable development, aiming to foster eco-friendly practices across all facets of the tourism industry,” she detailed.

Ammor additionally emphasized the introduction of a green growth support framework through the national program “Go Siyaha,” providing tourist enterprises with opportunities to adopt energy-efficient practices.

She specified that up to 40% of investments by classified tourist accommodation establishments and restaurants are supported for adopting environmentally friendly technologies, including smart energy and water management systems.

Regarding tourism offerings, the minister highlighted the inclusion of new ecotourism-oriented sectors such as “Nature, Trekking, and Hiking”, “Desert and Oasis Adventure”, and “Cultural Circuits”, which aim to encourage eco-friendly tourism practices.

She also emphasized efforts in rural tourism development within the hinterlands, aiming to engage Moroccan villages in the tourist experience while providing economic benefits to local communities.

“The new regulations will facilitate the development of eco-touristic alternative accommodations, including eco-lodges, cabins, and homestays,” Ammor added.

She emphasized that this will provide tourists with the opportunity to deeply connect with Morocco’s rich natural and cultural diversity across its different regions.

Morocco’s tourism sector is witnessing a notable revival, with tourist arrivals exceeding 5.9 million by the end of May 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism.

This represents a remarkable 15% rise compared to the corresponding period last year.

Speaking at a previous hearing session at the House of Representatives, Ammor mentioned Morocco’s ambitious target of attracting 26 million tourists by 2030.

To achieve this objective, the country has launched the 2023-2026 roadmap, supported by a significant budget of $6.1 billion.