NEW MOROCCAN CHARTER FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

DH 2.8 billion for 10 years to promote rural tourism, and an amount equivalent to add value to urban tours

On the occasion of the charter signing ceremony, Tourism Minister Lahcen Haddad stressed that this charter is in line with the commitments of the Kingdom to sustainable development in various sectors, with the objective of making Morocco among the top 20 destinations worldwide, a destination of reference for sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean, in addition to strengthen the preparations on the eve of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22).

The new charter is divided into four main components:

• The first is the protection of the environment and biodiversity, through the rationalization of the exploitation of natural resources, protection of biodiversity and endangered species at all tourism products, reducing the impact of tourism on the environment, especially in nature reserves, coastal areas and sites of ecological and natural interest.
• The second component relates to the preservation of traditions and heritage through the promotion of cultural activities bearing the distinctive characteristics of each region, conservation and enhancement of the tangible and intangible heritage, promoting different aspects of Moroccan arts, encouragement of local products and the preservation of artistic expression and local oral traditions.
• The third part of the charter concerns the involvement of tourist operators in local development and respect for the host societies, in accordance with Morocco’s international commitments on the matter.
• The fourth component involves a commitment to the principles of integrity and social responsibility, ensuring the freedom of tourist circuits without any hindrance or discrimination, free access to tourism activities, including for people with disabilities, the gender approach in promoting the tourism sector, in addition to the protection of children against all forms of exploitation.