Morocco’s tourism reached a new height in 2024 with 17.4 million visitors. This generated significant revenue but raised concerns about local impacts and environmental sustainability. The destruction of Amazigh villages for luxury resorts illustrates the growing tension between tourism expansion and community well-being. Advocates push for responsible tourism that respects local identities and ecosystems, with initiatives promoting sustainable practices gaining traction.
The Kingdom of Morocco is experiencing an unprecedented wave of tourism, with 17.4 million visitors reported in 2024, smashing a goal initially set for 2026, as noted by the Ministry of Tourism. This influx has sparked significant economic benefits, generating 112.5 billion dirhams in revenue, reflecting a 7.5% increase compared to the previous year. The tourism sector now supports approximately 827,000 jobs, having added 25,000 new positions within one year. However, this rapid growth raises serious questions about its sustainability and its impact on local communities and environments.
The impacts of tourism development have been particularly harsh on indigenous Amazigh (Berber) coastal villages. Since July 2023, multiple homes have been demolished, making way for luxury resorts. In Tifnit, for instance, residents were given only five days to evacuate, while Imsouane—a hotspot for surfers—saw its village wiped out in less than 24 hours, displacing around 1,000 residents. Journalist Siham Azeroual highlighted the significance of land to Amazigh identity, 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.” A push for tourism development in Greater Agadir includes plans for new tourist zones and an extensive “Blue Safari” route.
Said Marghadi, a sustainable tourism advocate with over fifteen years of experience, observes these developments with grave concern. He stated, “In Morocco, we have a culture obsessed with numbers, which harms the health of the country.” He questions the merit of increasing tourist arrivals if the gains do not translate into lasting benefits for the regions involved. The environmental implications are also troubling, with mass tourism contributing nearly 5% to global greenhouse gas emissions, as reported by France’s Ministry for Ecological Transition.
Morocco faces its own environmental challenges such as dwindling water resources and the impacts of climate change. Marghadi pointed out the stark contrast between the needs of rural communities and the unbridled growth of hotels, saying, “Every drop of water counts.” He criticized the ongoing construction of luxury establishments despite the broader issues at play: “Mass tourism accelerates climate change.”
In light of these issues, a movement towards responsible tourism is beginning to take shape. Defined by the UN World Tourism Organization, responsible tourism is tourism that fully considers its economic, social, and environmental impacts. This concept resonates with Marghadi, who has embodied it since opening his ecolodge in 2008, built using local materials and techniques, featuring sustainable energy systems.
Marghadi believes that sustainability is more than just the construct of a building. He insists on a comprehensive approach that incorporates local resources and social responsibilities into tourism. An agricultural cooperative established under his guidance transforms local fruits into products like jams and juices, which he sees as an essential step toward food independence and a way of reconnecting tourism with its roots. He aims for tourists to engage with the land and community rather than just passively consume it.
Marghadi’s efforts also focus on an educational aspect for tourists. He encourages guests to actively participate in their experience, from picking fruit to learning about sustainable practices within the lodge. He maintains that education should not feel forced: “Overdoing it ruins the message. You have to touch people through experience — through beauty.”
Continuously developing his team’s understanding of environmental issues, Marghadi promotes international learning experiences for staff, which, in turn, radiate back into the community. Yet, the journey is not without hurdles; the lack of a strict certification for responsible tourism means that anyone can label their venture as eco-friendly, diluting genuine efforts. Nevertheless, Marghadi stays steadfast, emphasizing that eco-friendly practices can be straightforward with the right approach.
He expresses his belief in gradual, persistent change rather than grand political promises, noting that reaching even one person can have a ripple effect. “If I reach one, and they reach another… then we begin to change things,” he concluded. Perhaps such connections could be the key to unlocking the true potential of sustainable tourism in Morocco.
As Morocco welcomes a record number of tourists, the burgeoning sector faces critical scrutiny regarding its long-term sustainability. The rapid expansion has led to significant changes, often at the expense of local communities and the environment. While the financial benefits are evident, the call for responsible tourism emerges as a viable solution. By prioritizing sustainability, engaging tourists meaningfully, and advocating smart growth practices, the goal of a more balanced tourism industry could still be within reach. Slow, thoughtful change appears to be the best path forward.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
