When will Morocco's crucial tourism sector be fully operational again? This is the question on everyone's mind in the Moroccan tourism sector at the moment, as plans are announced for the gradual easing of restrictions and the reopening of the country's borders.
The Moroccan government announced yesterday that its airspace will reopen on 15 June and there will be no restrictions on those entering or leaving the kingdom from countries on the government's 'A list', which includes most of Europe and North America.
Since 7 June, life has returned to some degree of normality in the Kingdom: restaurants and cafes are open again, as are cinemas and theatres, historical monuments and museums. Beaches are accessible again and even wedding ceremonies can take place once more. And although foreign tourists cannot, at least not yet, enter and leave the country unconditionally, it has been announced that visitors from most European countries and North America, among others, will be admitted upon presentation of a negative vaccination document OR a PCR certificate.
Morocco has managed the pandemic more successfully than many other countries. As of 8 June, a total of 9.4 million doses have been administered to a population of 36 million (45% of whom are under 24 years old), including 6.5 million second doses, placing Morocco among the top 20 nations in the world in terms of percentage of the adult population vaccinated.
In order for visitors to return to Morocco in numbers, airlines will have to restore their flight schedules and their respective governments will have to allow their citizens to travel to Morocco without restrictions upon their return. This should happen in the coming weeks, if not days.
At Les Borjs de la Kasbah, we are preparing for the reopening (we expect to announce the actual date very soon) and are already taking bookings for late summer and autumn; remember, we have a zero charge policy for covid-related cancellations.
We have really missed our many regular customers, and indeed our staff, over the last 15 months and are looking forward to seeing them again soon. We also look forward to welcoming those planning to visit us for the first time.
This night-time video (recorded last Friday) of Jemaa el Fna, the main square in the heart of Marrakech, shows the food stalls in full swing.