Marrakech is open to receive you

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Marrakech is open to receive you

14 SEPTEMBER 2023 12:35

Here we will attempt to clarify some of the misconception about the situation in Marrakech that have been disseminated by the media.

We have been working closely with all of our suppliers in Morocco for many years and as such have built strong relationships and indeed have cemented great friendships and bonds of trust over the years.

Many reports have been reaching us from individuals and Riad owners who we know that much of the news regarding Marrakesh is inaccurate .There was some damage to buildings in the medina but this was mainly restricted to the Mellah, the Jewish quarter where the buildings are of an ancient construction and obviously not capable of withstanding such shocks. Some of the Riads we work with sustained minor damage of a cosmetic nature but all are now open and receiving guests.

Other reports we have received inform us that the rubble and detritus has largely been cleared away and that shops, cafes and the souks are open for business.

In other news as of Wednesday 14th September, all the historic sites, museums, galleries and other attractions are fully open and want to receive visitors.

What can you do to help ... Morocco as a country is heavily dependent on tourism and indeed many of the worst affected areas in the High Atlas Mountains rely on the tourism industry to supplement their income. The destruction wrought by the earthquake has effectively eliminated this source of revenue. Morocco was enjoying a strong recovery from the havoc bought about by the pandemic which effectively closed the borders for two years and now this devastating event has severely curtailed this recovery. Here is a report 'A Symbol of Hope in Troubled Times' written by another Moroccan travel specialist to help clarify the situation on the ground.

The general message we are getting from all of our friends, colleagues and authorities is to please come to our beautiful country, we need you now more than ever and by coming your contribution will support and help to rebuild peoples lives. Here is an official message from the Moroccan National Office of Tourism.

Below are some reports we have personally received from people we know who are actually on the ground in Morocco. We hope that this will give any potential visitors reassurance and that convince them to travel and support the Moroccan people in this time of great need.

Riad Hikaya: "Indeed, there are many terrible stories related to earthquake of Marrakech which is incorrect. I saw many news and videos talking about Marrakech, but it is not true, it does not mean that the situation in Marrakech is ideal, there are few old buildings damaged but the majority are in well condition. The worst part is the Atlas Mountains around 75 km from Marrakech. I forget to add to my previous email that Souks, Market, La Masion de la Photographie, Secret garden, Madrasa ben Youseff, Majorelle garden, all are open as normal".

Riad Le Clos des Arts :

"Being in Marrakech at the time of the earthquake and after, I can tell you that so far there are no special restrictions announced by the authorities in terms of safety in the Medina because the most affected areas are not in Marrakech but on the High Atlas Mountains, where the earthquake made many victims, and for those we pray and try to help the survivors by donating (food, clothes, blood, medicines and money). Marrakech Airport is open and fully functioning, it goes without saying that there were many delayed flights between Friday night and Saturday, however it's understandable given the unpredictable event.

Moroccan people reacted immediately in the Medina by clearing the streets, tiding up and reopening shops, cafés and facilities. Starting from tomorrow (Wednesday) all the museums, palaces and historical sites will reopen as usual".

Les Borjs de la Kasbah

"Such is the rate at which news travels around the world these days, few people can be unaware of the disastrous earthquake that struck southern Morocco on Friday, just after 11 p.m.

As reported, however, by a correspondent of France 24 on Sunday morning, 10^th September, Marrakech is NOT a city in ruins, contrary to the impression widely, and sometimes misleadingly, disseminated by the media, as is often the case in the immediate aftermath of situations like this.

The earthquake which struck southern Morocco on Friday night, 10 September, its epicentre some 70 kms south of Marrakech, has been a national disaster of huge proportions, especially in the remoter villages of the High Atlas. However, for the benefit of those due to visit Marrakech itself in the near future, we hasten to reassure them that the general situation in the city is much less dramatic than many may, understandably, have imagined.

The areas of town most affected are localised and relatively few in number. It is true that a number of old buildings in the medina, not least in the mellah (the ancient Jewish quarter), in particular, have collapsed or been badly damaged but, generally, the modern parts of Marrakech, where most of the hotels are located, are relatively, or, indeed, wholly unscathed. Indeed, in many parts of the city, one might be forgiven for being unaware that a massive earthquake had just taken place. To those who have planned, or are thinking of planning, a visit to the Pink City in the near future we would say that there is no particular cause for alarm as the hotel is functioning normally, as is the airport of Marrakech, and life throughout the city is already returning to normal".

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