The ban on unmarried couples sharing a hotel room
Morocco recently made a surprise decision regarding tourism, considering lifting the ban on unmarried couples living in one hotel room. This decision contrasts with Algeria's policy of not neglecting religious principles to promote tourism.
The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism and Crafts is in discussions with the Ministries of Interior and Justice to lift the delicate restriction. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor stressed the importance of lifting restrictions that prevent unmarried couples from sharing a hotel room. Morocco is a country of freedom, and such rules force some tourists to choose alternative destinations such as Turkey or Europe.
This tourism decision in Morocco shows a willingness to adapt its tourism policy to attract more the number of visitors. By making it easier to accommodate unmarried couples, the country is looking to expand its tourist base and compete with other popular destinations. This is done by offering more flexible services and experiences.
Tourism is an important pillar of the Moroccan economy: in the first months of 2023, Morocco welcomed 6.5 million tourists, up 20% from the same period in 2019. In addition, tourism revenue reached AED 41 billion, up 42% compared to the same period in 2019. These figures indicate the growing tourist attraction of Morocco.
The Ministry of Tourism expects this positive trend to continue, with 13.5 million to 14 million tourists expected by the end of the year. This growth is the result of the country's efforts to diversify its travel offerings and attract a wider international audience.
By reviewing its policy for hosting unmarried couples, Morocco is demonstrating its openness and willingness to meet the needs and expectations of travellers. This could increase its attractiveness in the tourism market and allow it to compete with other destinations by adopting a more flexible and liberal approach.
According to the latest data published by the Observatoire du Tourisme, the number of tourists arriving in Morocco, and tourism revenues rose sharply compared to 2019, despite a slight decrease in overnight stays at classified hotels.
Algeria, on the other hand, has decided to maintain strict religious principles regarding tourism. While Morocco is taking steps to make travel easier for single couples, Algeria continues to focus on other aspects of its tourism sector.
Each country should take into account its culturally specific conditions and social values when promoting its tourism sector. Morocco aims to attract a wider audience by adapting its policies, Algeria can focus on other aspects of its cultural and historical heritage to attract travelers.