A Letter from ONMT to Tour Operators, Airlines and National Travel Associations Regarding Recent Earthquake in Morocco

Information intended for tour Operators, airlines and national travel associations:

On Friday, September 08, 2023, Morocco was struck by an earthquake. The Moroccan National Tourism Office offers its deep condolences to all the families of the victims, and commends the outstanding mobilization and spirit of solidarity of the people of Morocco in providing rescue and assistance to the victims.

In response to the situation, emergency measures, mandated and closely followed by His Majesty the King in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, brought together the Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, law enforcement agencies and civil protection teams, alongside the relevant ministerial departments. His Majesty the King has given His Highest Instructions to expeditiously pursue the relief efforts on the ground.

Accordingly, the Moroccan tourism ecosystem operators wish to inform their international partners of the following:

• The epicenter was in the village of the mountains region of the rural commune of Ighil (150 km from Marrakech) which accounted for most of the damage and loss of human life.
• In Marrakech, the situation is now under control and is returning to normal. The authorities pinpointed the few buildings that were damaged in the medina and have secured them.
• The hotels, all constructed to earthquake-proof building standards, have not been affected. The professionals in charge of these hotels have managed the situation in a professional manner, responding as closely as possible to the needs of their clients.
• Moroccan airports are all operating normally; travel wishing to return home have been able to do smoothly. The vast majority of flights to and from Morocco have been maintained, and most airlines have loosened the conditions for postponing or changing tickets.
• All over the country, public places, restaurants, shops, cultural spaces, museums... are open. In summary, tourist activity is continuing unabated in all regions of the Kingdom.

Moroccan tourism professionals wish to thank their partners, who on the whole have maintained activity around the destination and have adapted to the needs of their customers wishing to postpone their trip.

The Moroccan tourism sector and all Moroccan operators are and will return fully mobilized in these terrible times.