Casablanca – In a concerted push to position itself as a leading sustainable tourism destination, Morocco has launched multiple initiatives to foster both innovation and sustainability within its tourism sector. These efforts align with the country’s broader tourism strategy for the period 2023-2026, which places a strong emphasis on enhancing the tourist experience while embracing ecological responsibility. As part of these efforts, the Moroccan government is significantly investing in new programs and projects designed to strengthen the competitiveness of its tourism industry.

A focus on sustainable tourism development

At the heart of Morocco’s efforts is the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap, which aims to diversify the country’s tourism offerings and create a more sustainable, dynamic, and competitive tourism sector. One of the key components of this roadmap is the focus on the tourist experience, which the government intends to place at the core of its strategy. This new approach emphasizes the importance of diversifying tourism activities and creating unique experiences that will appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, in collaboration with the Morocco PME Agency, has rolled out the Go Siyaha (go to tourism) program. This program is designed to support tourism businesses in two key ways: first, by encouraging the development of innovative tourism products that enhance the visitor experience, and second, by assisting businesses in transitioning to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.

The Go Siyaha program, launched with a focus on green growth, is one of the most significant steps the Moroccan government has taken to promote sustainable tourism. Through this initiative, the government has already approved 24 projects aimed at acquiring sustainable equipment, including solar panels and energy-efficient technologies. These projects represent a total investment of $5.8 million, of which $2 million is provided through grants. The program has been designed to help Classified Tourist Accommodation Establishments (EHTC) reduce their carbon footprint and optimize energy consumption, contributing to the broader goal of improving Morocco’s tourism sector’s environmental footprint.

Strengthening the public-private partnership

The Go Siyaha program also serves as a platform for enhancing the public-private partnership in the tourism sector. By focusing on both investment and technical assistance, the program is designed to accelerate the growth and competitiveness of Moroccan tourism businesses. It does so by providing financial support, including covering up to 40% of the costs for energy-efficient equipment and sustainable infrastructure. This will help businesses reduce their energy usage, improve waste management, optimize water consumption, and promote the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels.

In addition to financial support, the Go Siyaha program offers technical assistance to help businesses adopt best practices and achieve recognized sustainability certifications. The program funds up to 90% of the costs related to energy audits and studies, helping businesses not only optimize their operations but also improve their marketability and appeal to environmentally-conscious tourists.

The ministry’s approach is designed to ensure that tourism businesses, both large and small, can benefit from the technical knowledge and financial backing needed to embrace sustainable practices and become more competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious global market.

A national impact across regions

The Go Siyaha program is already making an impact across the country. Among the projects approved, businesses from a wide range of regions, including Dakhla, Berkane, Casablanca, Azilal, Tangier, Khénifra, Sefrou, M’diq, Errachidia, and Marrakech, are participating in the program. These regions span Morocco’s diverse geographical landscape, showcasing a national momentum toward promoting sustainable tourism. The projects include a variety of businesses, from first-category guesthouses investing in solar energy to hotel-clubs that are committing millions of dirhams to improve their sustainability practices.

The initiatives will not only contribute to the environmental goals of the tourism sector but will also help position Morocco as a more competitive player on the global tourism stage. The government’s goal is to create a new generation of activities and services that meet the evolving expectations of modern travelers, who are increasingly seeking out destinations that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism.

Encouraging investments in morocco’s tourism sector

With an attractive and innovative framework in place, Morocco’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism are likely to encourage both local and international investment in the sector. The government’s support for sustainable infrastructure, such as solar panels and low-consumption lighting, aims to make Morocco’s tourism industry more attractive to investors looking for opportunities to support green growth and responsible tourism development.

Through its initiatives, Morocco is working to ensure that its tourism sector remains competitive, innovative, and resilient in the face of global challenges. As the country continues to focus on sustainability, it is clear that these efforts will not only improve the sector’s environmental impact but will also help Morocco to build a more robust, diversified, and appealing tourism industry for years to come.

Morocco’s multifaceted approach to tourism development, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and strategic investment, promises to help elevate the country’s tourism industry to new heights. With significant financial support, technical assistance, and a clear focus on improving the tourist experience, Morocco is well-positioned to meet the demands of modern tourists while protecting its natural resources for future generations.