Morocco Unveils $580 Million Plan to Boost Tourism

Morocco is a family-centric, peaceful country with genuine warmth and love for children of all ages. It's home to cultures where large families are standard – a family of five to six children, and multi-generational homes are considered the norm. It's not unusual for people you've just met to offer kisses, hugs, and cadeaus (gifts) for your kids. Traveling with kids to Morocco can open doors to unique experiences, connecting you deeper to its people and your own family. 

“Morocco is open, Morocco is safe, and Morocco is still an incredible place to visit.”

Saudi Arabia is working on its own major commercial cruise line brand designed for those with “Arabian preferences.” AROYA Cruises sets sail next year with a single ship, formerly known as World Dream, the last remaining ship of the struggling Dream Cruises company.

Last week, Morocco suffered its deadliest earthquake in over 60 years, and the strongest to hit the nation’s center in more than a century. More than 2,600 people are known to have been killed and 2,500 more were injured by the unforeseen natural disaster, according to CNN. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers continue searching through the rubble for survivors and trying to reach remote communities.

Recovery efforts are underway in Morocco following the massive 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the country late Friday, killing more than 2,100 people, injuring thousands more, and leaving scores without a home to return to. 

On September 8, 2023, a devastating earthquake took place in Morocco, killing thousands of people and injuring thousands more. Many in the country’s mountainous communities are still unable to access communication, medical help, or supplies from the outside at the time of writing (September 11) and relief is urgently needed for those affected in remote communities of the High Atlas Mountains.

When you think about visiting Morocco, you’re probably thinking about staying in riad. Although riads are undeniably pretty cool, it’s worth going outside the box and checking out this ecodome in Essaouira. Les Jardins de Villa Maroc, surrounded by Argan and Tuya trees, is a county guesthouse with 11 stylish and eco-friendly “ecodomes.”

The impact of Morocco’s deadly earthquake is still being assessed as emergency services continue rescue operations. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake has claimed more than 2,000 lives, and thousands more are injured, after the natural disaster struck about 50 miles outside of Marrakesh in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco on Friday.

The high-end, experiential travel show Pure Life Experience, meant to take place in Marrakesh from 10 to 13 September, has been canceled.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo arrived in Beijing late on Sunday for a four-day visit aimed at boosting business ties between the world’s two largest economies while declaring American national security trade measures off-limits for debate.

Looking to position itself as a leading tourism destination in the Middle East, Dubai has scrapped the 30 percent municipality tax on alcohol for what has been called a trial period of one year, till December 31. Also, tourists and expats will no longer need to pay a fee to secure a personal liquor license to purchase alcoholic beverages. However, an Emirates ID, or passport for tourists, will still be required. The change that came into effect from Sunday, was confirmed by Maritime and Mercantile International, one of the biggest alcohol retailers in the United Arab Emirates and a subsidiary of the state-owned Emirates Group.

Authorities around the world are imposing or considering curbs on travellers from China as COVID-19 cases in the country surge following its relaxation of “zero-COVID” rules.