Morocco’s tourism industry reached a record high in 2024 with 17.4 million tourists, generating significant revenue. However, this boom has led to the displacement of local communities and environmental challenges. Advocates are pushing for responsible tourism practices that prioritize sustainability and local engagement, despite ongoing concerns about current developments harming both culture and nature.
Tourism in Morocco has reached new heights, with the Ministry of Tourism reporting that a staggering 17.4 million visitors arrived in 2024—two years ahead of the target set for 2026. This influx resulted in a remarkable revenue of 112.5 billion dirhams, marking a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Clearly, the tourism sector is vital for the national economy, providing jobs for 827,000 individuals and creating another 25,000 jobs in just one year. Nonetheless, the situation poses a pressing question: how long can this growth continue, and at what cost? The reality is frequently more layered and complicated than it may appear.
The rapid growth of tourism is leading to significant transformations in regions across Morocco, often harming the very communities that have flourished there for generations. Since July 2023, the government has ordered the demolition of several Amazigh (Berber) coastal villages to pave the way for luxury resorts. Residents in Tifnit were reportedly given a mere five days to evacuate before their homes were razed. In Imsouane, a historic hub for surfers and fishermen, bulldozers leveled the village in under 24 hours, displacing around 1,000 people overnight.
Siham Azeroual, a journalist, articulated this dilemma succinctly, saying, “When the state takes away their land, it strikes at one of the core pillars of Amazigh identity: living on and from their land.” Indeed, the economic drive is clear here. Greater Agadir is planning to launch fifteen new tourist zones, alongside the construction of an 80-kilometer “Blue Safari” route intended to interlink Agadir with several attractions within Souss Massa National Park.
Said Marghadi, a tourism entrepreneur who has been advocating for sustainable practices for over fifteen years, expresses a deep unease regarding these changes. He questions, “What’s the point of increasing arrivals if the money doesn’t benefit the regions in a sustainable way?” There seems to be a fixation on tourism numbers that may actually detract from the long-term health of the country.
Moreover, the environmental repercussions of this mass tourism surge are concerning. The French Ministry for Ecological Transition has estimated that tourism contributes almost 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and Morocco is feeling the effects. With climate change already manifesting in shrinking water reservoirs and declining agricultural yields, the demand for resources is alarming. Hotels are notorious for running air conditioning systems even in unoccupied rooms while many rural communities struggle with water shortages.
Marghadi, who runs the Touda Ecolodge in the Aït Bouguemez Valley, highlights this contradiction, stating, “And still, we keep building five-star hotels as far as the eye can see.” He bluntly concludes that, “Mass tourism accelerates climate change.”
In light of these troubling trends, a counter-movement advocating for responsible tourism is gaining traction. Defined by the UN World Tourism Organization, responsible tourism seeks to assess and address its economic, social, and environmental implications thoroughly. This approach has gained ground among those disillusioned with the unsustainable practices prevalent in Morocco.
Marghadi began adopting this ethos back in 2008 when he opened his ecolodge, using local resources and traditional construction methods. His lodge features a natural pool that is filtered by plants and relies entirely on solar energy. But he clarifies that sustainability is not merely about bricks and mortar. “Responsible tourism isn’t a checklist—it’s about coherence between the environment, the social responsibility of the accommodation, the food, and the team,” he explains.
In his pursuit, he has even founded an agricultural cooperative that transforms local produce into jams, juices, and other preserves. This venture aims to foster food sovereignty while connecting tourism back to the land and its indigenous peoples.
What distinguishes Marghadi’s approach is his emphasis on actively involving tourists in authentic experiences. He encourages visitors to engage in fruit picking, jam making, and various activities that cultivate a deeper connection to local culture. He stresses the importance of turning tourism into a participatory experience rather than a passive consumption one.
Additionally, his eco-education initiatives advocate modest habits. Instead of an aggressive approach, he prefers subtler methods to enlighten guests. As he puts it, “Guests can pay, yes, but that doesn’t give them the right to harm the environment.” He firmly believes that educating them through experience is far more effective than lecturing them.
Marghadi’s commitment extends to his staff as well, ensuring they receive ongoing training on environmental matters. He supports their growth, encouraging them to learn from global practices. One member even returned after visiting ecological farms overseas, finding inspiration to begin his own vegetable garden.
Still, challenges abound. Marghadi points to the lack of stringent standards for responsible tourism in Morocco, which leads to many ecolodges misrepresenting their practices. Despite this, his resolve remains sturdy. “Being ecological is simple. No miracles needed. Just organization, discipline, and respect,” he reinforces.
He holds a cautious hope for change, even if progress feels slow. “I don’t reach 10,000 people. But if I reach one, and they reach another… then we begin to change things.” In this human chain, he sees the potential for sustainable tourism to thrive, one conscious traveler at a time.
Morocco’s burgeoning tourism sector presents significant opportunities for economic growth, but it also raises serious concerns about environmental sustainability and social equity. The ongoing demolition of local communities for luxury developments shows a troubling prioritization of tourism revenue over cultural and environmental preservation. Meanwhile, advocates like Said Marghadi highlight the need for a responsible tourism model that respects local customs and ecosystems. As awareness of these issues grows, it may catalyze a shift toward practices that genuinely benefit both visitors and the regions they explore.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
