Did you know that Morocco won the award for “best emerging sustainable destination for 2022–2023”? This country is strongly committed to sustainable tourism, especially since it became one of the destinations most affected by overtourism, which I’ve already written about on these pages.
Morocco cares about sustainability and responsible travel, and fortunately most of the travelers I’ve accompanied on my tours have also shown respect for this fascinating culture that hosted them. Being sensitive toward the host country, respecting its customs and learning about its traditions is a very important outlook that every good traveler holds dear.
But what can tourists in Morocco do to make their trip sustainable in every sense?
To protect the sustainability of tourism in Morocco, my biggest tip is to seek out the most authentic experiences, the less mainstream ones, away from the crowds, which let you enjoy the country in a more relaxed and pleasant way. And, above all, not to damage the natural environment and the land that hosts us.
Sustainable tourism is authentic, cultural, welcoming and hospitable; it’s slow, and it lets us appreciate everything around us that we didn’t know before.
Tips for a sustainable vacation in Morocco
In recent years, vacations in Morocco have become very popular, since this North African country has so much to offer and wins hearts at first sight. With its mystical mountains, wild coastlines, unspoiled nature, heavenly deserts, lively markets, charming alleys, ancient architectural wonders and imperial cities, there’s something for everyone, and everyone will be enchanted.
Morocco’s wonders made it one of the most visited countries of 2024, so it’s becoming urgent to make sure tourism doesn’t show its negative side (overcrowded sights, rising prices, overbooked flights and accommodation, a lower quality of life for local people). Tourism is still an important part of Morocco’s economy, so locals are well aware of, and respectful toward, this source of income and the travelers who come from all over the world.
But choosing a more “niche” kind of tourism over the growth of overtourism, promoting travel to destinations off the mass-tourism track, places just as beautiful but less known, is the only way to encourage sustainable tourism in Morocco and keep it from remaining just a dream.
In fact, my tour programs always include sights off the beaten track and less crowded but truly beautiful, authentic places, designed for nature lovers who want to explore by bike or on horseback, for those who’d rather visit the famous souks, and for those who want to stroll along the ancient ramparts of Moroccan cities and admire their historic architecture. Unspoiled places of beauty that deserve to be discovered with the respect they’re due.
Choosing to buy handcrafted products (hand-woven rugs, wood carvings, clay objects, argan oil products, ceramics) supports Moroccan culture, traditions and ways of life, and benefits local tourism.
Likewise, taking part in activities organized by local communities is another way to help sustainable tourism in Morocco grow. My team is made up of Moroccans who have always lived in Morocco and know every corner of this land, from the main squares to the most remote villages in the High Atlas. So the guided experiences we offer let you connect with the true soul of Morocco, with its most intimate and characteristic places, and with the traditions that best embody the idea of hospitality.
Choosing to stay in unusual accommodation instead of the classic tourist circuit, or eating at traditional places rather than international restaurants, will also let you experience a more authentic Morocco and give back to the community.
Finally, the means of transport you choose plays a big part in the sustainability of any trip. Of course, to get to Morocco from Italy or the rest of Europe there are only two options, by plane or by ferry, but even here you can choose a more sustainable solution. For example, flying into a less crowded airport (the most crowded of all is Marrakech), or arriving at one of the three ports (Tangier, Agadir and Casablanca) with greener connections to the cities you want to reach.
Lisa
