As the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, countries continue to tighten their travel restrictions. The travel industry has been tremendously affected by this ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Without exception, tourism in Morocco is also entering a great crisis.
The first novel coronavirus case was confirmed in Casablanca by Moroccan health authorities on March 2, 2020. It involved an infected Moroccan man arriving from Italy in February 2020. As of 27 March 2020, confirmed cases reached 333 in Morocco (source: covidmaroc.ma). As the numbers of the positive cases are growing and the concerns of spreading, in March 15th, Morocco government initiated morocco travel ban and suspended all international flights. Later, all schools, non-essential business, mosques, domestic flights etc gradually closed.
Tourism is one of the main economic drivers in Morocco. Tourism approximately represents 10% GDP in Morocco. In 2018, Morocco received 12.3 million tourists. Morocco has more than 2,000 hotels, with a total capacity of 400,000 beds, including 15,000 beds in Marrakech - Morocco’s most visited city, alone. The economic impact on Morocco tourism is huge. According to Morocco World News, the predicted loss of at least 100,000 tourists in March alone. This estimation was before the country shut down. As at Marrakech, 80% of population directly or indirectly relate to tourism. The drastic pause of tourism significantly affects people’s life here.
As Morocco tour operator, we understand it is difficult time for everyone in the world and it is not good time for travel. We wish everyone stay home, healthy and safe. But meantime, never stop dreaming. Eventually, the pandemic will be ended with the fights throughout the world. As May 30, the situation in Morocco is getting much better. There are only 19 patients are still in intensive care unite for the entire country. Today, we also have a very encouraging news. A 110-year-old woman beats COVID-19 infection and is discharged from hospital in Fez after 26 days of hospital stay. (ref: moroccoworldnews.com)
Now many countries started to open cautiously. We hope that Morocco travel ban will be eased sometime soon. If you plan your trip to Morocco for vacation after lockdown, we are always here to assist you and provide you with information that is helpful for your planning. We have varieties of Morocco tours to fit your schedule, budget and interest. Meantime, check our youtube channel to have some ideas about Morocco attractions, culture and custom etc.
Be safe! We are together!
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Updated on May 30, 2020