Morocco invests $14.7M to overhaul tourism standards
New classification system to enhance service quality, boost competitiveness, and strengthen Morocco’s position in global travel markets
RABAT, Morocco (MNTV) — Morocco has announced a $14.7 million initiative to upgrade tourism service quality through a comprehensive evaluation project under Law 80-14, aiming to modernize hotel, riad, and guesthouse classification systems nationwide.
The reform introduces a unified framework that evaluates not only infrastructure but also service quality, aligning Moroccan hospitality with international benchmarks, according to Travel and Tours World.
Authorities say the program will improve visitor satisfaction, attract more foreign tourists, and position the country as a premium global destination.
The investment is distributed across four major contracts: $4.8 million for luxury and five-star hotels, $5 million for four-star hotels in Marrakech-Safi, $2.8 million for four-star hotels elsewhere, and $2 million for three-star accommodations and guesthouses.
A key feature of the plan is the deployment of undercover evaluators, or “mystery guests,” tasked with assessing staff professionalism, room standards, and dining experiences to provide transparent, unfiltered reviews.
Under the new system, businesses will undergo regular evaluations: every five years for existing facilities and every seven for new ones. Permanent ratings will no longer apply, ensuring continuous improvements in service delivery.
To ease the transition, operators have been granted a 24-month adjustment period to upgrade facilities, enhance staff training, and comply with the new standards.
Officials stress that the approach will encourage healthy competition and raise overall industry performance.
The project has sparked debate in parliament over costs, with some lawmakers proposing greater reliance on digital tools such as online review platforms and guest feedback apps, in line with Morocco’s Digital Morocco 2030 strategy.
Experts suggest a hybrid system combining physical inspections with digital monitoring could be the most effective model.
Analysts note the reforms are likely to boost tourist satisfaction, encourage repeat visits, and increase tourism revenue while advancing Morocco’s long-term goals of sustainable, quality-driven growth.
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