Following the earthquake on September 8, 2023, the Al Haouz region is experiencing remarkable tourism growth. Despite the lingering effects of the disaster, the Tourism Observatory reports a significant recovery in this picturesque area of Morocco.
In the first half of 2024, accommodation establishments in the region recorded 367,797 overnight stays, marking a 19% increase compared to the previous year, matching Agadir’s growth rate. This improvement is particularly noteworthy given the post-earthquake challenges.
In June, overnight stays rose by 32% to reach 80,660, with an occupancy rate of 82%, compared to 65% in the same period in 2023. This performance made Al Haouz the leader in overnight growth, surpassing Agadir (+18%), Marrakech (+10%), Tangier (+8%), Essaouira (+6%), and Fes (+1%).
Most of the region’s tourist facilities were unaffected by the earthquake. Those that were damaged underwent immediate repairs to prepare for the tourist season.
In March, the Al Haouz Provincial Tourism Council (CPT) announced a series of initiatives to enhance its digital presence and promote the region internationally. These initiatives, in collaboration with private sector partners and the Marrakech-Safi Regional Tourism Council (CRT), aim to implement the 2023-2026 tourism roadmap and support the digital transformation of the area.
The project includes developing the « VISITALHAOUZ » brand, featuring a website and an online booking platform to provide an integrated view of the region’s tourist potential. The German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and the « Promotion of Economy and Rural Development in Remote Areas of Morocco » (PEDEL) project have been instrumental in forming a partnership with Logic Technologies to promote Al Haouz through digital support.
