Morocco unveils unified star rating system for tourist accommodations

Morocco has launched a new star rating system that will apply to all tourist accommodations, including hotels, riads, guest houses, and other lodging options. This unified approach aims to elevate hospitality standards and align the nation’s tourism offerings with international benchmarks.

A new era for Moroccan tourism

For the first time, all types of accommodations in Morocco will be classified under a single, globally recognized star system. The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy has introduced this update as part of its efforts to improve the quality and transparency of tourist accommodations.

The newly implemented system stems from amendments to the 2015 law on tourist lodging. In a press release, the ministry emphasized that the new star ratings will help visitors make more confident choices by providing a clearer and more standardized evaluation of accommodations.

“Every type of accommodation—whether hotels, riads, hotel clubs, or kasbahs—will now adhere to the same star rating system that travelers recognize worldwide,” said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism.

Regular inspections and global standards

The evaluations will focus on both the quality of service and the physical infrastructure of the accommodations. To maintain consistency, mystery visitors will conduct regular unannounced inspections using a detailed checklist of up to 800 criteria. These standards were developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Unlike previous systems, the ratings will no longer be permanent. New establishments will be reviewed every seven years, while existing ones will be assessed every five years to ensure they continue to meet the required standards.

New investment opportunities

The updated regulations also introduce the “Residences Immobilières Adossées” (RIA) concept, allowing investors to build private villas connected to 5-star or luxury hotels. These villas, managed by the hotels, will provide guests with greater privacy while encouraging investment in Morocco’s tourism sector.

Minister Ammor described these changes as a milestone for Moroccan tourism. “Morocco is world-famous for its hospitality. With these new measures, we are elevating our hospitality standards to match our legendary reputation!” she said.

Expanding the scope of hospitality

Tourism businesses in Morocco will have 24 months to adapt to the new regulations, giving them time to upgrade their services, train staff, and prepare for inspections. The new rules will also extend to other types of lodging, such as camping sites (bivouacs), homestays, and innovative accommodations like container homes and cabins. Listings on popular booking platforms will also fall under the updated framework.

The initiative, which includes stricter oversight through unannounced inspections, reflects Morocco’s commitment to positioning itself as a top-tier global tourist destination.