Low-Cost 'Ramassage' Tours Disrupt Moroccan Tourism Balance
··2 min read
Low-cost 'Ramassage' tours are disrupting the competitive balance in Morocco's tourism sector, affecting local economies and tourism flow. The phenomenon, where tourists are collected and transported directly to a destination for a low price, is challenging the established tourism routes and economic benefits for regions along these paths.
Professionals in the tourism sector have raised concerns about the impact of 'Ramassage' tours, which are often organized by unlicensed agencies and accommodation providers in cities like Marrakech and Fes. These tours, coordinated with some transport permit holders, offer direct and cheap transportation to tourist destinations, bypassing smaller towns and regions that traditionally benefited from tourist traffic.
Ali Oubassidi, a tourism professional in the Merzouga region, described the situation as a 'real problem' for the tourism sector. He noted that the phenomenon has significantly affected tourism flow in areas along the route between Marrakech and Merzouga, including places like Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dadès, Tinghir, and Zagora.
Oubassidi explained that traditionally, tourists arriving in Marrakech would rent a car and spend several days exploring various tourist spots along the way to Merzouga. This included visiting the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, staying in Ouarzazate, then moving to Boumalne Dadès or Tinghir before reaching Merzouga and spending a couple of days there, and finally continuing to Zagora.
This route allowed for a broader distribution of tourism and economic benefits across different regions. However, the 'Ramassage' tours have altered this dynamic, transporting tourists directly from Marrakech to Merzouga in a single, exhausting day-long journey. This leaves little time for tourists to explore the natural and cultural attractions of the regions in between, effectively bypassing these areas and concentrating tourism in fewer locations.
Oubassidi highlighted that the economic impact on regions that once benefited from this tourist flow is now evident. The direct transportation from Marrakech to Merzouga has reduced the number of tourists visiting and spending time in smaller towns and regions, leading to a decline in local economic activity.
Despite the concerns raised by professionals and stakeholders, a solution to this issue remains elusive. The phenomenon continues to grow, with unlicensed agencies and accommodation providers offering these tours at competitive prices, attracting tourists with the promise of convenience and cost savings.
Tourism professionals and local authorities are calling for regulatory measures to address the challenges posed by 'Ramassage' tours. They advocate for stricter enforcement of tourism regulations and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices that benefit local economies and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of the regions.
