Tourism, casinos in Morocco continues to flourish amid earthquake

Despite the recent earthquake in Marrakesh, Morocco, tourists have shown resilience and a commitment to supporting the local community. This determination to continue visiting Marrakesh, a key tourist destination in Morocco, despite the earthquake, reflects the significance of tourism to the country’s economy.

Morocco relies heavily on tourism, with Marrakesh serving as a major attraction. The earthquake, while causing substantial damage and raising concerns about a potential tourism slump similar to the one experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, did not deter some tourists. They emphasized the lack of prior warning about significant risks and chose to stick to their travel plans.

Tourists, like Kirian Ficher and Dominik Huber, expressed their support for the Moroccan people by staying in the city. They were seen visiting historic attractions like the Bahia Palace, where some earthquake damage occurred. Local tour guides, such as Abderrazzaq Ouled, assured visitors that most planned activities remained feasible despite the challenges posed by the earthquake.

The earthquake did disrupt the usual bustling activity in Marrakesh, with affected residents forced to spend nights outdoors. Although some tourism professionals expressed concerns, Morocco had experienced a surge in visitor numbers in the first half of 2023, with Marrakesh being a primary draw for tourists. However, the full economic consequences of the earthquake remain uncertain, and the country’s Tourism Observatory is closely monitoring the situation.

The significance of tourism to Marrakesh’s income cannot be overstated, and local residents stressed the importance of maintaining the industry to prevent a recurrence of the economic downturn witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the earthquake’s challenges, both tourists and locals are determined to persevere and contribute to the city’s recovery, reflecting the resilience of Morocco’s tourism sector. This determination is particularly relevant to Morocco’s thriving casino tourism, where Marrakesh plays a prominent role.

Original story by: MacauBusiness.com