Casablanca – As Morocco approaches the peak of its summer tourist season, the government has acknowledged the challenges posed by escalating prices of tourism services. On Monday, June 24, 2024, Minister of Tourism Fatima Zahra Ammor addressed Parliament, attributing the price hikes to overwhelming demand for summer tourism, particularly in coastal destinations.

Minister Ammor highlighted that the imbalance between supply and demand in key tourist spots has necessitated proactive measures to alleviate the burden on travelers. She emphasized the government’s commitment to launching a comprehensive roadmap aimed at enhancing accessibility to tourism services at more affordable rates for Moroccan citizens.

“The surge in prices is a direct consequence of high demand exceeding available supply, especially in coastal areas known for their popularity,” explained Minister Ammor. “Our strategy focuses on expanding supply and diversifying tourism products to meet the needs of our domestic market.”

A central aspect of the government’s strategy involves incentivizing investments in highly sought-after tourism products, with a specific focus on creating tourist resorts that offer competitive pricing aligned with the purchasing power of local tourists. Minister Ammor underscored the importance of sustainability in these developments, aiming to ensure that tourism remains a year-round economic driver while maintaining high standards of service quality and diversity.

Currently, tourism plays a critical role in Morocco’s economy, contributing 7% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting millions of jobs both directly and indirectly. In 2023, Morocco welcomed approximately 14.5 million tourists, generating over $10.82 billion in foreign currency revenues.

Looking ahead, the Moroccan tourism sector aims for sustained growth and recovery from past challenges, with the government actively pursuing supportive policies to bolster Morocco’s global standing as a preferred tourist destination. The commitment to enhancing accessibility and affordability of tourism services underscores Morocco’s dedication to fostering a robust and inclusive tourism industry.

By addressing the issue of high tourism prices through strategic initiatives and sustainable development practices, Morocco aims to ensure that tourism remains an essential contributor to its economic prosperity while offering memorable experiences to visitors from around the world.