Morocco is a Glorious Gateway to Africa
Written by David Falcón Villar - Entrant in the AASOA x Exeter ACS Engage in Africa Short Essay Prize
More than any other industry, the tourism sector has been devastatingly affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Borders were closed and airplanes were grounded. But one year after the Coronavirus outbreak, the travel industry is striving to restart. Yet among the countries that have developed their resilience as tourist destinations, Morocco stands out above the rest.
Walkway in the city of Chefchaouen. Source: WeGo Travel Blog.
African countries with the largest number of international tourist arrivals in 2019 (in millions). Source: Statista.
There are a number of reasons behind why the Kingdom was the most visited African country before COVID-19. Travellers who visit Morocco seek to discover its wonders, from marvellous dunes spread along the Sahara Desert to the outstanding views of the High Atlas Mountains. Morocco truly offers endless charms for travellers.
The Djemaa el-Fna street market in Marrakesh. Source: RIU.
Morocco’s illustrious heritage is preserved in ancient cities such as Marrakesh, Rabat, and Meknes. Diverse metropolises sprinkled with Roman ruins like Volubilis, buzzing street markets like Djemaa el-Fna, or medieval landscapes like Fez Medina. At the same time, stunning and modern cities such as Casablanca and Tangier are the ideal place for travellers to start their journeys exploring Morocco.
Although global travel has been restricted for over a year, the Kingdom’s destination management office never stopped working to promote the allure of Morocco. The National Tourism Confederation developed a new strategy to alleviate an expected reduction of almost 40% of international visitors from 2020 to 2022.
The Sahara Desert. Source: Live Science.
This action plan caters for travellers’ changing needs and expectations and supports 10,000 tourism businesses in the country. To do so, the strategy seeks to promote domestic tourism while caring for the creative crafts sector, which benefits local communities too.
Ecotourism plays a crucial role in modern global travelling, and Morocco’s tourism strategy reflects this key trend. In Marrakech, a local start-up known as Pikala Bikes provides education and employment for youths through renting bicycles, so that they can become tourist guides or mechanics. Through this initiative, the company helps to reduce the youth unemployment rate (approximately 29.3% for 15-24 year olds), as well as promoting alternative and clean transport.
Morocco captures the beauty of Africa with its diversity and its staggering heritage. The Kingdom acts as a fascinating doorway to the continent and gives an amazing taste of what Africa has to offer. Traveling allows us to understand and feel new cultures, flavours and experiences. As traveling returns back to normal, Morocco is ready to surprise and rewards those that decide to visit Africa’s most wonderful gateway.
List of Sources:
Journey Beyond Travel: Tangier and Casablanca: Two Unique Moroccan Cities
https://www.journeybeyondtravel.com/blog/tangier-casablanca-two-morocco-cities.html
Lonely Planet: Welcome to Morocco
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco
Morocco Travel: Moroccan Tourism Startups Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
Pikala Bikes - Bicycle Education and Employment
Morocco World News: CNT Outlines Recovery Plan for Morocco’s Tourism Industry
Morocco World News: Morocco Devises Action Plan to Revive Tourism, Craft Sectors
Statista: Selected African countries with the largest number of international tourist arrivals in 2019
Image Sources:
https://blog.wego.com/morocco-travel-restrictions-and-quarantine-requirements/