Morocco’s tourism boom saw 17.4 million visitors in 2024, exceeding targeted numbers ahead of schedule, generating substantial revenue but also raising concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment. Displacement of indigenous communities and environmental degradation are significant consequences of rapid development. However, a shift towards responsible tourism, as advocated by local entrepreneurs, aims to mitigate these challenges by promoting sustainability and engagement with local cultures.
In an unprecedented boom, Morocco’s tourism sector saw a staggering 17.4 million visitors in 2024, smashing prior projections a full two years early, as reported by the Ministry of Tourism. This influx has propelled revenues upwards to 112.5 billion dirhams, reflecting a 7.5% growth from the previous year. With tourism now a significant economic driver, it has provided jobs for 827,000 people and added 25,000 new positions in just one year. However, the rapid growth raises concerning questions about its sustainability and long-term impact on local communities and the environment.
The consequences of this tourism surge are stark, particularly for the Amazigh (Berber) villages along Morocco’s coast. Since July 2023, many of these communities have been displaced to clear space for luxury resort developments. Notably, residents in Tifnit faced a mere five-day notice to vacate their homes. Meanwhile, in Imsouane, which is popular with surfers, the village was demolished overnight, affecting about 1,000 individuals. Journalist Siham Azeroual reflects on the implications, stating, “When the state takes away their land, it strikes at one of the core pillars of Amazigh identity: living on and from their land.”
Tourism developers seem unwavering in their ambition, with Greater Agadir planning no fewer than fifteen new zones and an extensive 80-kilometer “Blue Safari” aimed at linking Agadir with several renowned sites in the Souss Massa National Park. Tourism entrepreneur Said Marghadi has raised critical concerns about this approach. “In Morocco, we have a culture obsessed with numbers, which harms the health of the country,” he states. He questions the benefits of increased tourist arrivals when local economies are not truly enriched.
As mass tourism grows, the environmental impact is alarming. It contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, nearly 5%, according to France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition. Morocco is not immune, already suffering from climate-related issues like shrinking water sources and diminished agricultural yields. In stark contrast to local realities, some hotels operate air conditioning at all hours, even in empty rooms. Marghadi, who manages the Touda Ecolodge, says, “Every drop of water counts,” emphasizing the contradictions in policy-making that favor new hotel construction despite mounting environmental pressures.
Fortunately, a movement for responsible tourism is gaining traction. This concept, as outlined by the UN World Tourism Organization, encompasses methods that take into account the economic, social, and environmental impacts of tourism. Marghadi exemplifies this model through his ecolodge, constructed with local materials and traditional methods, utilizing solar energy and featuring eco-friendly facilities. He stresses that sustainability is not just about the structures, but also about integrating them with community and environmental needs.
Marghadi’s approach focuses on the involvement of tourists in meaningful ways. By encouraging them to engage in picking fruit, making jam, and learning about Amazigh culture, he aims to foster connections rather than just consumption. This type of immersive experience, he believes, produces advocates for the region that no advertising can match. As he puts it, “A tourist who has an authentic experience becomes a far more powerful ambassador than any advertising campaign.”
He teaches visitors to practice good habits that honor the environment, advocating for a gentle approach to environmental education that avoids overwhelming lectures. “Education must be subtle. Overdoing it ruins the message. You have to touch people through experience—through beauty,” Marghadi remarks. He extends this commitment to his staff as well, providing continuous training that fosters a deep understanding of sustainability.
While challenges do exist, like the absence of a credible certification for responsible tourism in Morocco, Marghadi remains committed to his mission. “Being ecological is simple. No miracles needed. Just organization, discipline, and respect,” he asserts. He believes in the power of gradual change, likening it to a single person inspiring another. “I don’t reach 10,000 people. But if I reach one, and they reach another… then we begin to change things,” he concludes. Marghadi’s perspective highlights a hopeful vision for a future where tourism complements its local context rather than disrupts it.
The surge in tourism in Morocco, while economically beneficial, comes with significant risks for local communities and environmental sustainability. Displacement of indigenous populations for luxury developments raises critical ethical questions. However, the emergence of responsible tourism practices, like those championed by Said Marghadi, offers a potential pathway forward, prioritizing ecological integrity and community engagement. As the sector continues to grow, balancing economic benefits with social and environmental responsibility will be essential to preserve Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and environmental resources.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
