Morocco is firmly placing sustainable tourism at the heart of its development strategy. Speaking at the opening of an international conference in Ifrane, the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, stated that this choice is an essential lever for building a more balanced and inclusive model.
A Sector in Transformation
Today, the Kingdom welcomes more than 17 million visitors annually, but the minister emphasizes that tourism growth must now align with environmental respect and heritage enhancement. “Ifrane perfectly illustrates the challenge of attracting more visitors while preserving authenticity and ecosystems,” she declared.
Since the pandemic, traveler expectations have evolved: authenticity, sustainability, and local experiences have become priorities. This trend is confirmed in Morocco, where the share of tourists coming for sustainable stays has risen from 5% in 2019 to 10% in 2024.
Direct Benefits for Communities
Ms. Ammor highlighted the benefits of this new model for local communities: jobs in guesthouses, mountain lodges, women’s cooperatives, and the promotion of regional products. She also mentioned the role of the new Investment Charter, which provides incentives for green projects, and the law on tourist accommodations, which opens the door to alternative arrangements like homestays.
Structuring Programs and Flagship Projects
Among the emblematic initiatives is the “GO SIYAHA”, which subsidizes up to 40% of sustainable projects. More than 200 initiatives have already benefited, including 40 in the fields of solar energy and energy efficiency. The Tourist Villages program, endowed with 200 million dirhams, aims to enhance 16 rural destinations.
In Ifrane, the minister announced the launch of the redevelopment project for the National Park, mobilizing 640 million dirhams in public investments and 93 million dirhams in private funding. This site is set to become a national and international model for green tourism, featuring eco-friendly accommodations and a diverse range of sports and leisure activities.
A Clear National Ambition
Under the impetus of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Morocco has positioned sustainable development and renewable energies at the core of its strategy. The ambitious goal is to attract 26 million tourists by 2030, within the framework of a responsible, balanced, and globally competitive model.
Organized by the SMIT, in partnership with the CRI Fès-Meknès and the ANEF, the conference brought together over 150 experts, investors, and operators. This serves as a strong signal of the Kingdom’s desire to accelerate its transition towards a tourism sector that creates value without compromising ecological and social balances.