Tourism drop off

Marrakesh is undergoing a marked drop off in tourist numbers and the experts put it all down to fear about security. According to one Reuters report: "A tourism boom that transformed Marrakesh with hotels, apartments and golf courses seems to have paused, and some hotel managers and officials are blaming a rise in activity by Islamic militants."

"The flow of tourists has been shrinking and the authorities refuse to make the numbers public," said a Marrakesh government official who did not want to be named. "The incidents in Casablanca in April were another factor in the trend of falling tourist arrivals because it tainted the image of Morocco."

It is hard to judge if all of Morocco is being effected in the same way, but it is probably reasonable to think so. However, it should be noted that August is often a slow month because of the extremely warm weather.

The advice given to tourists in their own country is often quite intimidating, especially for the cautious tourist. For example, here is what the Australian government says on its website:

Summary

* We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Morocco because of the high threat of terrorist attack against Western interests. We continue to receive reports that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

* Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

* On 6 July, the Moroccan Government increased its security alert level to its highest level. It considers a terrorist attack is imminent.

* Recent credible reports indicate that terrorists may be planning to kidnap foreigners travelling between Morocco and Mauritania.

* Two suicide bombings occurred on 14 April 2007 on Boulevard Moulay Youssel in central Casablanca, one near the Unites States Consulate General and the other outside the American Language Centre. During police raids in Casablanca on 10 April 2007, three suspected terrorists blew themselves up killing one policeman and injuring another. On 11 March 2007, a suspected suicide bombing in Casablanca killed one and injured at least four others. Australians are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance in Casablanca at this time.

* We strongly advise you not to travel to the Western Sahara because of the risk posed by landmines.

* Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Morocco. The Australian Embassy in Paris provides consular assistance to Australians in Morocco. The Canadian Embassy in Morocco can also provide assistance to Australians.

* Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:

* Organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy

*Register your travel and contact details, so we can contact you in an emergency

All that could spell problems for Morocco, once an off-beat destination for the adventurous that is now embracing the era of mass tourism.

Tourism has become Morocco's biggest source of foreign currency, helping offset big trade deficits. Its importance is likely to grow as the government seeks to boost visitor numbers to 10 million by 2010, up from 6.5 million last year.

Open Sky agreements have allowed airlines to shuttle in millions of Europeans, who sunbathe around pools and shop for craftworks in the kingdom's bustling old towns or flock to a growing number of open-air festivals.

Some economists warn there are risks in placing so much reliance on an industry whose chances could be threatened by security scares.

The number of visitors to Marrakesh was up only 1 percent in May, well short of what will be needed to fill the hotels mushrooming across the city and reach the 2010 target.

Recent bookings suggest a drop of between 17 per cent and 50 per cent in occupancy at 24 hotels with four or five stars, according to an official who asked to remain anonymous.

Marrakshis said they were no strangers to tight security, part of everyday life ever since hooded men shot dead two Spanish tourists in one of the city's hotels in 1994.

More recently, roadblocks have been set up at the entrance to big towns and police in blue riot vans watch over Marrakesh's biggest hotels.

But foreign tourists seemed more worried about escaping the searing heat. "Bombings may occur anywhere and at any time, whether in Britain, Spain or elsewhere," said Anna Pitzalis, a 29-year-old Dutch secretary.

"That does not prevent me from visiting this beautiful country."

"Morocco is not Afghanistan, Iraq or Palestine," said 52-year-old Italian Fabricio Corradin.

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news