In the top 10 of the most requested destinations by the French this summer on the online travel site Expedia, and the top 6 at Misterfly, Morocco should continue to seduce travelers in search of sun this fall-winter. After a surge in Covid 19 cases in August, the health situation has improved markedly. The number of weekly contaminations, critical cases and deaths has decreased thanks to the progress of the vaccination campaign which has affected 12/17 year olds since the end of August. More than 19 million people have been fully vaccinated (over 50% of the population) and some 22 million have received at least the first dose of vaccine, making Morocco the African champion in vaccination, despite delays in initial targets. On the spot,a new easing of constraints has been in effect since October 1, pending a return to normal that tourism professionals are calling for.
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What entry formalities for French people traveling to Morocco?
Morocco is now on the list of orange countries for France, which means that the unvaccinated French must justify a compelling reason to go there. If they are not vaccinated or incompletely, travelers from France must complete a declaration on honor committing them to observe a ten-day quarantine in one of the hotels designated by the Moroccan authorities. The Cherifian kingdom having placed France in the B list, French travelers, whether vaccinated or not, are required to produce negative results on arrival from a PCR test of less than 48 hours (except children under 11) and a health card. If they are traveling by ferry, a second test can be carried out on board in order to meet the deadlines.Morocco recognizes most vaccines, the vaccination schedule being considered complete two weeks after the administration of the last required dose.
Upon return to France, no formalities are required for vaccinated travelers.
Unvaccinated, they must produce a PCR test of less than 72 hours or an antigen of less than 48 hours, submit to a random antigen test on arrival and commit to self-isolation for seven days.
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Curfews, travel ... What are the restrictions on site?
While the state of health emergency has been extended until October 31, a new easing of restrictions has been in effect since October 1: curfew extended to 11 p.m. (until 5 a.m.) which allows businesses , restaurants and cafes to stay open later (with 50% gauge), reopening of hammams and sports halls (with 50% gauge), and limit gatherings to 50 people instead of 25, unless the local authorities give an exemption.
Inter-city travel remains subject to presentation of a vaccination pass or an administrative travel authorization. A project to reserve access to public places to holders of a health pass is mentioned by the Ministry of Health according to the Moroccan press, but no details have been given as to its entry into force. While welcoming the management of the pandemic, tourism professionals deplore a lack of visibility. While waiting for the lifting of restrictions, especially for events, "
in the very short term the situation is still difficult
", summarizes Hamid Bentahar, president of the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT), "
but overall confidence is returning
". Among the good news, “
the number of flights is increasing and we are even seeing new airlines taking an interest in Morocco
”.
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Between June 15, date of resumption of international flights and August 31, air traffic totaled 3.56 million passengers, or 65% of 2019 volume according to the National Airports Office (ONDA), four routes with the France appearing in the top 5. In this regard, the “Airport Health” certification of 16 Moroccan airports by ACI World (Airport Council International) is a positive signal, as is the recent recognition of the Moroccan vaccine pass by the European Union (the Sinopharm vaccine is not recognized by France but since September 22, people who have received both doses can complete their vaccination course with a dose of messenger RNA vaccine). Another good news in the general opinion of professionals is the emergence ofa new majority at the end of the legislative elections of September 8 carried by entrepreneurs considered more interested in the development of tourism than their predecessors.
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Beaches, museums, monuments: what activities are possible in Morocco this fall?
Despite the curfew at 11 p.m., Morocco is currently living to the rhythm of the Indian summer with beaches, monuments, museums and gardens to be enjoyed without the crowds and swimming pools where to bask the pill in the sun. “
Marrakech is coming
back to life, everything is open, that's a plus for our customers,
” says Fabrice Castellorizios, General Manager of the five-star Radisson Blu hotel. If the riads are far from having returned to their usual activity, the schedules are starting to fill up for All Saints' Day and the medina takes on color between renewed effervescence on Place Jemaa El Fna and reopening of restaurants. What to hope for an improvement for the fall and beyond if other relaxations intervene in particular for the night life.
"There is a whole category of customers who appreciate Marrakech for the festive side at night and who will not return until there is no longer a curfew"
, notes Fabrice Castellorizios.
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In the meantime, "
the end of the year celebrations are shaping up very well,
" confirms Denys Courtier, Regional Sales & Marketing Director of La Mamounia, an emblematic hotel in the old town.
“
We already have reservations, especially for long stays
".
In the meantime, the hotels are actively preparing, like the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort, which is refining a range of wellness novelties, or the Oberoi, which is launching experiences for two or as a family.
At the Selman, the professional dancers of the Kalon team inaugurated a cycle of fitness and dance retreats in mid-September.
And on the sidelines of major events, for some postponed such as the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM), small intimate events, fashion shows, exhibitions or chef dinners keep the festive flame alive.
Until it burns again until the end of the night ...
