latest sports news

Follow us on Facebook

Walaw

Economy

Vacations In Morocco: too expensive for many Moroccans

13:45

Zoom

Taking a vacation in Morocco is becoming a luxury fewer Moroccans can afford. What used to be a time for relaxation and travel—whether as a family, couple, or group of friends—has now become financially out of reach for many, including Moroccans living abroad. Once again this year, a growing number have turned to European destinations instead, citing lower overall costs, especially when compared to domestic options.

Many travelers report that booking a clean, comfortable hotel in Spain or Portugal is sometimes cheaper—or at least similar in price—to staying in Agadir, Marrakech, or Tangier, where one night can cost between 1,200 and 1,500 dirhams. Unfortunately, this often comes with inconsistent quality and service.

During the peak summer months, middle-class Moroccans increasingly find themselves priced out of their own country. It’s not just hotel prices causing frustration. “Every year, we receive complaints from consumers shocked by the unjustified price increases in various summer-related sectors—hotels, transportation, restaurants, leisure activities,” said Ouadie Madih, president of the National Federation of Consumer Associations (FNAC).

A troubling paradox

According to Madih, this “tourism exodus” is not only a missed opportunity for the Moroccan economy, but a strategic mistake. “Morocco has outstanding natural, cultural, and coastal assets. Making tourism inaccessible to its own citizens is a long-term economic and social misstep,” he warned.

Despite these challenges, the FNAC lacks legal authority to intervene directly. “The sector is fully liberalized. Each establishment sets its own rates. While some offer discounts for locals, these are rare and unregulated,” Madih explained.

In theory, hotel rates should be set in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and sector professionals, but in practice, prices often far exceed recommended levels. The absence of regulation has led to drastic price disparities between high and low seasons.

Madih argues that pricing policies must consider local purchasing power. “Tourism should not be a privilege—it must be a right for all socioeconomic groups. The government must step in to ensure all Moroccan families can enjoy holidays in their own country.”

High costs, high demand

Air and sea travel companies also face criticism for hiking prices during summer. “We’ve been denouncing this for years,” Madih added. “We asked Royal Air Maroc and the Ministry of Transport to allocate socially priced tickets, especially during the Marhaba operation,” he said, recalling a 2021 royal initiative that temporarily lowered prices.

He also called on Morocco’s Competition Council to investigate possible price-fixing among carriers and to consider a permanent pricing regulation mechanism for Moroccan nationals abroad.

On the other side, tourism industry experts point to supply and demand. “This trend of Moroccans preferring Spain isn’t new. The real issue is the absence of a solid tourism policy. High season means high demand, and prices rise accordingly,” said Amal Karioun, a tourism analyst.

Another industry insider, speaking anonymously, claimed, “Morocco isn’t more expensive than other destinations—the issue lies in purchasing power. There’s a wide range of offers for every budget, but most domestic tourists concentrate their vacations in July and August. European tourists, on the other hand, spread theirs across the year.”

To help ease the pressure, experts recommend early planning. Booking hotels or flights just two weeks before departure often leads to high prices or no availability. “Late bookings usually leave only the most expensive rooms—or none at all,” the expert explained.

He emphasized that foreign tourists often reserve their trips months in advance—sometimes up to six months. “This habit should be adopted by local travelers too. It’s not the color of your passport that determines the price, but the timing of your reservation.”