Morocco: The Rise of Ecotourism Near Marrakech

Morocco is embracing ecotourism by offering more sustainable experiences to visitors. In the Agafay region, near Marrakech, ecotourism projects are proliferating, combining exploration, support for local communities, and reduction of the carbon footprint

One of the highlighted activities is the camel ride, a traditional and eco-friendly way to explore the region. In June, Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, declared that sustainability is a priority for the country's tourism sector.

Ecotourism is developing, especially in Agafay, which is about 35 kilometers from Marrakech. In the first half of June, Morocco received 17.6 million tourists, with ecotourism accounting for 5% of that figure, and 3% in Agafay

One of the first projects in the region was the Kasbah Agafay hotel, inaugurated in 2000 by Abdessalam Damoussi. This traditional-style hotel promotes local culture and uses natural materials in its construction, drawing inspiration from the book Back to Earth del príncipe Sultan bin Salman.

Since 2018, other tourism businesses in the region have followed Damoussi's example, welcoming around 5,000 tourists annually. Visitors can enjoy camel and horse rides, hiking, local music performances, spa treatments, and cooking classes in a natural setting.

Tourists, like Youssef Koubaa, appreciate ecotourism in Morocco for its purity and beauty. Experiences include visits to the hotel garden, where vegetables and herbs are grown to prepare meals, providing visitors with a direct connection to their food.

In addition to the rooms in the Kasbah, there are traditional tents in the park, made from natural materials like leather and wood. These accommodation options are highly valued for their authenticity and sustainability.

Damoussi is committed to sustainable practices and is considering installing solar panels and using efficient irrigation methods. According to Nabil Bouraissi, ecotourism is crucial for tourism development and can attract more visitors year-round.

Minister Ammor also announced a national green growth program called "Go Siyaha," which will encourage tourism businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices, with the goal of attracting 26 million tourists by 2030

Article source:africanews