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Agadir – Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism has launched a new system of mystery visits targeting classified tourist accommodation establishments, starting this May, as part of efforts to upgrade service quality and align with international standards.
The ministry added that these visits will target and assess around 2,500 establishments across different regions in the country.
The initiative falls under the law No. 80.14, which marks a shift in how Morocco evaluates its tourism sector. Classification will no longer rely solely on infrastructure and equipment, but will now also take into account tourists’ actual experience during their stay.
According to the ministry, this approach aligns Morocco with practices adopted by major global tourist destinations and supports the country’s ambition to attract 26 million visitors by 2030.
Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said the mystery visits reflect a commitment to ensuring quality experiences for visitors. “Mystery visits are a promise we make to tourists that they will enjoy an experience that meets their expectations. In this way, Morocco will strengthen its reputation as a leading tourist destination by 2030 and beyond,” Ammor said.
This system applies to establishments classified as three stars and above, including hotels, hotel clubs, tourist residences, guesthouses, riads, and kasbahs.
The updated classification framework comprises two complementary stages. The first involves an inspection by a regional committee to verify compliance with construction and equipment standards.
The second consists of an anonymous visit by a specialized expert, who evaluates the full customer journey, from booking and reception to cleanliness, dining, room service, leisure facilities, and overall stay experience.
The ministry noted that the evaluation criteria, published in the Official Gazette, include between 235 and 387 standards, depending on the establishment’s type and category.
These standards aim to balance service quality requirements with operational realities and preserve the authenticity of the Moroccan tourism experience.
