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What a Trip to Morocco After a Devastating Earthquake Taught Me About Visiting a Destination in Recovery

Here's what to consider when booking a trip after tragedy, according to travel experts.

3yephotography/Getty Images

The line of horse-drawn carriages was long, and proud: tidy rows of emerald green vehicles, with the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque for a backdrop. But there were few takers for a late afternoon ride, even in the stifling October heat. 

My husband and I had just crossed Marrakesh ’s famed Jemaa el Fnaa Square, marveling at the brightly colored stalls of fruits, vegetables, and spices. Yet the square, named a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001, felt nothing like it did when we’d last visited, a decade ago. Back then, we saw snake charmers and artisans and tourists from all over the world embracing the chaos. This time, the noise was now turned down a notch, save for the occasional putter of a motorcycle; the lyrical call to prayer; or an eager vendor, beckoning us to "come have a look! "

That’s because this trip to Marrakesh came just one month after a deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco , inflicting great loss of life and structural damage, mainly in the villages of the Atlas Mountains. Marrakesh was not unscathed; there were a few casualties and some buildings in the medina collapsed. Walking the winding alleyways with our guide, Mohammed Bousekri, we occasionally saw steel beams, acting as reinforcement. (And visitors today will see the Koutoubia Mosque, which dates to the 12th century, is now clad in scaffolding due to repairs.)

Other parts of the city seemed to be untouched; the airport was the same as ever, and many hotels and resorts were open for business, including the iconic La Mamounia , celebrating its 100th anniversary with a gala weekend featuring local dignitaries and celebrities like Mika and French pianist Sofiane Pamart. Those working at shops and restaurants welcomed us in; I bought a chunky, stone Berber necklace in the medina, chatting casually with the shopkeeper, a friend of Bousekri’s. He remarked how yes, things were a bit slow. 

Stefano Barzellotti/Getty Images

Business owners, still feeling the impact of COVID closures over the last few years, were trying to cope with this new setback. “The mindset in Marrakesh is we need to band together,” said Nick Minucciani, co-founder of fashion brand Marrakshi Life , which sells chic shirts, jackets, and dresses. His shop and atelier in the industrial quarter, Sidi Ghanem, employs 70, many of whom have family and friends in the more hard-hit areas of the country. “Marrakesh is the heart, and then the veins extend throughout to the mountains.”

Minucciani’s perspective captured the should-we, shouldn’t-we that so many travelers, including me, are feeling these days. Tourism is a huge economic driver across the globe, contributing 7.6% of global GDP in 2022. It’s a critical way that destinations can get back to normal after a crisis, whether that’s a natural disaster, terrorism, or political upheaval. But as a traveler, I also recognize that visiting a place that’s endured a traumatic event can get complicated, quickly. Are you a burden, physically and emotionally, to the local population? Will your dollars truly be welcome? And when exactly is the right time to go? 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but experts in the travel industry I’ve spoken with tend to follow a few principles when deciding to go back to a place impacted by tragedy. It’s advice that I often follow myself — and that can make all of us better, more conscientious travelers. 

Tap into social media.

In the initial hours and days after the September earthquake, many journalists — not to mention businesses in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains — were documenting relief efforts in close to real time. La Mamounia, for example, posted to Instagram on Sept. 11, sharing that the hotel staff and their families were safe. (They also made a call for donations to support relief work.) Then, amazingly, things started to shift: on Sept. 13, there was a post depicting a dining table, saying, “We are ready to serve You!” accompanied by the hashtags #MarrackechKeepsShining #MarrakechNow #StrongMarrakech, among others. On Sept. 16, there was a post depicting female chefs and food displays to promote a weekend brunch, with similar hashtags including #MarrakeshNeedsYou and #StrongMorocco. Jarring? A little, but in the world of Instagram, messages and sentiment turn on a dime. The hotel was clearly telegraphing that it was open, one of the things that gave me confidence to make the journey. If you’re planning a trip, consider following accounts from hotels, restaurants, tourism boards, and local authorities to keep apprised of the situation on the ground. 

Yannick Tylle/Getty Images

Call on a travel advisor.

Many travelers are now building long-term relationships with travel specialists, who help them navigate complex trips, tough restaurant reservations, even last-minute concert tickets. Advisors have a global network and can give you real-time advice and assistance. They can also be critical when you’re headed to a recently impacted destination. 

“We like to call a host of different people in a destination to get their take,” says Jack Ezon, founder of luxury travel agency Embark Beyond and member of T+L’s Travel Advisory Board . “We will also reach out to a concierge, a specific tour guide, a tour company and sometimes even a restaurant maître d'hôtel. We literally ask them how they are doing, if they are ready, and what the place is actually like.”

Sometimes, travel advisors find themselves in the middle of the crisis. Take the case of Mark Lakin, founder of the Legacy Untold and another member of T+L’s advisory board , who happened to be in Marrakesh when the earthquake hit. “The media reports the news with many ideas in mind, and the tourism economy is almost never the first consideration,” Lakin told me recently. “I felt that the most important thing that I could do was to report the truth from the ground to travelers and the travel industry. After some clean up and three days of national mourning, Marrakesh looked and felt pretty normal,” adds Lakin, who is based in New York City. “Shops, cafes, and restaurants were welcoming travelers with open arms.”

Manage your own expectations.

In my experience, one of the key concerns for travelers is infrastructure: is a destination physically ready for me? “We speak to clients all the time about destinations in recovery,” says Ezon of Embark Beyond. Over the years, he has sent clients to storm-impacted destinations such as Puerto Rico, Los Cabos, and Turks & Caicos — and is now sending people to Maui, which is slowly getting back on its feet after the fire . He shared with me how key it was to set expectations with his travelers. “We speak to clients all the time about destinations in recovery. Most of the time we will suggest visiting, then hold our breath for the inevitable ‘Is it safe”? Isn’t it all destroyed?’ Once you put things into perspective and give them an honest expectation of what things will look like on arrival, clients often book.” 

I felt comfortable returning to Marrakesh because La Mamounia had already been open for several weeks. That said, I did arrive at the hotel with a different, more empathetic mindset, eyes a little wider. I was prepared to be more judicious in my requests of the staff, more attuned to my surroundings, more overt in my thanks and gratitude. The restaurants, spa, and on-site boutiques were all welcoming international guests — but the mood at times was hushed and reflective, given the circumstances. My stay proceeded as “normal” as normal could be during a difficult time.

Travel with sensitivity.

Even when a place is open to visitors, it's critical to understand the nuance of what traveling can really mean. Consider the perspective of Carmen Teresa Targa , the San Juan-based vice president of Condado Travel and another advisory board member. She endured Hurricane Maria hitting Puerto Rico and had conflicting feelings in the aftermath. “When someone called me and asked if they should visit the island, of course I said yes,” said Targa, whose travel agency is a family-owned business. “Because their visit was going to bring in revenue. Their visit was going to help my neighbor purchase food, water, medicines, and fuel.”

At the same time, she was dealing with her own crisis. “Did I want them to come? No. I didn’t want to see any pictures on social media of people enjoying themselves on the beach, 20 minutes away from my house, while I prayed to all the generator gods to keep the machine working.”

So what’s a thoughtful traveler to do? “There will always be areas that recuperate faster than others: visit those,” suggests Targa. “Locals will always welcome visitors, especially if it’s a destination that relies on tourism, but you have to be mindful, respectful and show some empathy, especially if the destination has been through a traumatizing event.”

Carmen Teresa Targa, Condado Travel

Locals will always welcome visitors, especially if it’s a destination that relies on tourism, but you have to be mindful, respectful and show some empathy, especially if the destination has been through a traumatizing event.

I wanted to post about my trip to Marrakesh to show what was possible, what things people could do on the ground with a positive message. I decided to edit a Reel about my sidecar and motorcycle tour La Mamounia organized with Marrakesh Insiders, giving my followers a chance to see for themselves that the streets in and around the medina were clean. One thing I did not get to do: experience the Atlas Mountains, where critical relief efforts were underway, yet some properties, miraculously, were getting on their feet. At Sir Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot , a retreat just one hour outside of Marrakesh, many in the community lost their homes and there was significant damage to the main building. The Berber Tents, however, were unharmed; to enable employment, the hotel kept (and is keeping) those tents open — with 20% of the proceeds going to the E ve Branson Foundation . There were also suggestions regarding supplies (warm clothes, craft kits for kids) and voluntourism activities (trash clean up, harvesting local fruits) for those willing to make the trip. Big picture: reach out to your hotel to see if voluntourism is an option, or at the very least, if there is a list of suggested organizations accepting donations.

As sad as it is to contemplate, it’s likely we’ll see another version of the “Do I stay home or go forth? When is the right time to return?” scenario play out in another destination this year. More than one. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact moment when things feel normal. But it is clear to me that tourism — if we define it as cross-cultural exchange, a listening tour with the best of intentions — can represent opportunity, hope, and survival, all at once.

Related Articles

Morocco Tours Canceled by Deadly Earthquake as Operators Hope to Restart Soon

Selene Brophy , Skift

September 10th, 2023 at 4:02 PM EDT

Morocco is the latest destination impacted by a severe natural disaster, with tour operators needing to implement contingency plans to deal with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake.

Selene Brophy

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.

Intrepid Travel , one of the largest tour operators in Morocco, said it had approximately 650 customers in the country when the earthquake struck.

The tour operator said all customers currently on tours, tour leaders, and staff in Morocco are accounted for. Departures scheduled until September 12 have been canceled to allow authorities to respond to the immediate disaster.

“Safety is always Intrepid’s number one priority – we’re relieved to have been able to account for all our customers and believe canceling upcoming tour departures is in the best interests of local communities right now,” said Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid’s managing director, EMEA, based in Morocco. “Our thoughts go out to everyone in Morocco who has been affected by this disaster, and we will do everything we can, including through the Intrepid Foundation, to support communities as they rebuild.”

Affected customers are being contacted and will be able to reschedule their trip or receive a refund. Intrepid’s tours will resume on September 13.  

Intrepid Travel has also established a relief fund, the  Morocco Earthquake Appeal , through its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation, committing to match all donations up to $64,000 (AU$100,000). The emergency relief funds raised will support  Education for All  and the  High Atlas Foundation , which work with local communities, said Bencheikh.

“Through this relief effort, we hope to give back to the country that has given so much to our travel community,” said Bencheikh.

Certain G Adventures Tours Canceled

Small group tour operator  G Adventures , headquartered in Toronto, Canada, confirmed all travelers and staff we accounted for and safe in Morocco.

The company was canceling six tours to areas most impacted by the earthquake. A spokesperson confirmed that all other departures in Morocco are scheduled to run as planned, with minor modifications to trip itineraries to avoid affected areas.

Soumia Ait Bendawad, Regional Operations Manager Morocco & The Middle East, based in Marrakech, said G Adventures has halted tours to Mount Toubkal and is rerouting tours to Imlil and Ait Ben Haddou. “We are also offering alternative experiences in Marrakech to avoid the Medina, which has sadly been impacted by the earthquake.”

Bendawad said the immediate need was to keep the most impacted areas clear and let the emergency services fulfill their role. The company would assess when it is appropriate to resume trips, but it could not confirm a restart date for now.

“Bringing tourism income back to the affected areas will be vital to support the local communities, but only when it is appropriate. The other cities we visit are safe. For any travelers who wish to change their travel plans, we are helping them do so. This approach allows us to continue running our operations but still supports tourism in Morocco, which is essential in such times.”

“We are advising all guests to establish contact with their embassies to register their presence and will release more information as it becomes available. Our thoughts are with the Moroccan people at this time,” said Bendawad.

No Change in TUI Operations

While the  TUI Group , headquartered in Germany, did not immediately confirm how many customers it had in Morroco, Europe’s largest tour operator confirmed it is continuing operations in Morocco, with the next planned TUI flight to Morocco on Monday, September 11.

“We are aware of and deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes, which took place last night about 70km Southwest of Marrakesh. We can confirm that there has been no change in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, customers remain in their hotels, and flights are operating. We’ll closely monitor the situation and will keep customers informed of any relevant updates,” a TUI spokesperson said.

When asked why TUI was not canceling or putting any of its trips to Morocco on hold, the spokesperson said guest safety remained the “highest priority” as the company takes its guidance from government travel advisories.

“In Morocco, in particular, we are in contact with local authorities and partners and continue to assess the situation. Right now, we have no reports about injuries among TUI guests or colleagues, and neither about structural damage in hotels and resorts with TUI guests. Our TUI service teams are present in the hotels and (can) assist guests with any inquiries or questions they may have.”

UNESCO to Assist with Repair Plan

Tourism accounts for  8% of Morocco’s GDP , with the government stating in  March this year  that it intended to spend $580 million (6.1 billion dirhams) to attract 17.5 million tourists by 2026. This is more than double the 6.5 million visitors from last year. In 2019, Morocco had 13 million visitors.

Natural disasters like earthquakes can profoundly impact cultural heritage sites that are integral to multi-day tours to a destination like Morocco. As a UNESCO World Heritage site and well-known for its ancient mosques and palaces, Marrakech has yet to determine the full damage to its historical buildings.

Reuters  reported an earth-and-stone mosque in the High Atlas mountains, built by a medieval dynasty that conquered North Africa and Spain, has been badly damaged.

A @UNESCO mission visited the medina of #Marrakech this afternoon. Our Organization will support the Moroccan authorities to inventory damage in the fields of #heritage & #education , make buildings safe & prepare for reconstruction. https://t.co/MVMgMp1U6v — UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) September 9, 2023

The UN heritage organization has sent an assessment team to the Marrakech Medina and confirmed it would help Morocco draw up an inventory of damage to national heritage sites and a repair strategy. While unconfirmed, some reports indicate that most of the main historic sites in the old city appeared largely unscathed.

* This is a developing story. G Adventures confirmation of rerouted tours and impact to Marrakech’s Medina have been updated.

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Tags: africa , earthquake , experiences , g adventures , heritage , intrepid , Marrakech , morocco , natural disasters , north africa , tours and activities , tui group , unesco

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After Morocco’s devastating earthquake, the tourism industry rallies round

Travel and tour operators are getting involved in the country’s relief effort, knowing how vital tourism is to its economy

“My family is safe,” our tour guide Sara Chakir said as we huddled in the streets outside Fez’s medina, waiting for aftershocks until the early hours. Morocco’s 6.8 magnitude earthquake had struck last Friday, 350 miles away in the Al Haouz region of the High Atlas mountains at just after 11pm. It was enough to send our riad swaying, but there was no apparent damage to people or place. It was only in the morning that the scale of destruction elsewhere was clear. Another tour guide, Hossain ait Mhand, said: “My family is fine, but others in their town are not so lucky – homes have been flattened.”

I was on my way to a conference in Marrakech, about 40 miles north of where the earthquake was centred, but detoured home. Those already in the city saw blood bank queues snaking around the streets after a government call out. Marrakech’s medina experienced damage, and 50 people were reported to have died there. Tourists trickled out of the city.

Three days later, the death toll was almost 3,000, and with more than 5,000 people injured. Some of Morocco’s most remote communities were the hardest hit, making recovery efforts difficult. Some villages are still waiting for relief; in others, rescuers have little hope – ancient clay buildings have crumbled entirely. The village of Tafeghaghte, for example, has lost 90 of its 400 residents.

Though the Al Haouz region is a popular hiking destination edging into peak season, tourists have been relatively unharmed.

Chris McHugo, co-owner of the community-run hotel Kasbah du Toubkal, said: “Here in Imlil, the damage is less than in other places. It’s partly because tourism has funded building work here, meaning the village is more structurally sound than others. The old part of our kasbah is damaged, but the rooms were unharmed.”

Others have not been as fortunate. In the quiet village of Agnie, a beautiful, locally owned lodge I visited last year, Chez Momo II, has been badly damaged.

Just down the road in Asni, Education For All , a charity providing boarding and support so that girls from the region’s most remote communities can go to school, has been devastated by the earthquake. Its chief executive, Sonia Omar, has said it will have to rebuild at least five of the six boarding houses.

“Our immediate need is confirming our girls’ safety and cooperating with aid agencies to get food, water, blankets, torches and medical supplies where they are most needed,” she said. There are still 55 girls unaccounted for. The charity has started emergency fundraising focused on long-term repair.

Morocco had a record-breaking 2.9 million international visitors in the first quarter of 2023, and the travel industry has been quick to rally support. The Intrepid Foundation , run by the adventure travel company Intrepid Travel – which takes groups to destinations around the country – is fundraising for its two NGO partners on the ground: Education For All for long-term relief and the High Atlas Foundation for immediate relief. The latter usually runs sustainable infrastructure projects, so it is well placed to redeploy services. So far, Intrepid has raised AUS$340,582 (£176,620) after fund matching the first AUS$100,000.

Much Better Adventures is donating 5% of its September revenue to the High Atlas Foundation. Exodus Adventure Travels has launched fundraising for React disaster response , and Global Giving‘s Morocco Earthquake Relief Fund is supporting immediate needs. This week The Conscious Travel Foundation rallied industry support at a fundraiser in London, where they raised £10,000 and discussed how best to respond to these kinds of disasters.

For those travelling to Morocco imminently, the Foreign Office advice is to check with travel companies and tour operators before departing, though the industry’s overall message is one of still encouraging people to travel.

Intrepid has adapted itineraries that involve the Atlas mountains region, and other tour operators are doing the same. The message from tour guides, NGOs, and travel businesses is increasingly clear: continuing to travel responsibly is an important part of support.

“Our message is strong,” said Gail Leonard from the local operator Plan-it Morocco. “Your tourism dollar is critical to the ongoing relief effort here in Morocco.” Jarrod Kyte, the product and sustainability director at Steppes Travel, who was in the mountains during the earthquake, agrees. Steppes’ partner at Hotel Dar Ahlam in Skoura told me: “Beyond the aid that is being provided, tourist arrivals constitute a message of hope and support that is just as necessary and vital for Morocco.”

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Live Updates: Offers from abroad start to pour in to Morocco after devastating earthquake

CORRECTS NAME OF VILLAGE - People prepare to bury a man who was killed by the earthquake, in Moulay Brahim village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 800 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. But the full toll was not known as rescuers struggled to get through boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages hit hardest. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

People watch as security forces take part in a rescue operation after the earthquake, in Moulay Brahim village, near the epicentre of the earthquake, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 800 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. But the full toll was not known as rescuers struggled to get through boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages hit hardest. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

A man walks past a damaged wall of the historic Medina of Marrakech, after after an earthquake in Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

People drive past a damaged wall of the historic Medina of Marrakech, after after an earthquake in Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 600 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

Moroccan Red Crescent workers help remove large stones which fell on roads during an earthquake, on the way to affected villages in the Middle Atlas mountain, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 800 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. But the full toll was not known as rescuers struggled to get through boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages hit hardest. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

People take shelter and check for news on their mobile phones after an earthquake in Rabat, Morocco, Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. A powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday, damaging buildings in major cities and sending panicked people pouring into streets and alleyways from Rabat to Marrakech. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

CORRECTS NAME OF VILLAGE - People observe a burial prayer for people who have been killed by the earthquake, in Moulay Brahim village, near Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 800 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. But the full toll was not known as rescuers struggled to get through boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages hit hardest. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

A man stands next to a damaged hotel after the earthquake in Moulay Brahim village, near the epicentre of the earthquake, outside Marrakech, Morocco, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. A rare, powerful earthquake struck Morocco late Friday night, killing more than 800 people and damaging buildings from villages in the Atlas Mountains to the historic city of Marrakech. But the full toll was not known as rescuers struggled to get through boulder-strewn roads to the remote mountain villages hit hardest. (AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy)

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Follow live updates of a deadly, powerful earthquake that struck Morocco , killing more than 2,000 people and causing widespread damage in and around the city of Marrakesh.

WHAT TO KNOW:

— Morocco was shaken by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake late Friday

— Morocco’s African Cup qualifier postponed because of quake

— A look at some of the deadliest quakes in the last 25 years

DEATH TOLL FROM MOROCCO EARTHQUAKE IS REVISED UPWARD

Morocco has revised upward the death toll from a powerful earthquake that shook Marrakesh and surrounding regions.

The Interior Ministry said late Saturday that 2,012 people were killed when the temblor struck late Friday. The toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggled to reach hard-hit remote areas.

The ministry said the highest number of deaths were recorded in Al Haouz province, with 1,293 killed; and Taroudant, with 452.

At least 2,059 people were injured, including 1,404 critically.

The government also announced three days of national mourning.

The magnitude 6.8 quake on Friday was the biggest to hit the North African country in 120 years.

ISRAEL PREPARES TO SEND HELP TO QUAKE-STRIKEN MOROCCO

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a phone call with his Moroccan counterpart to express Israel’s desire to assist the earthquake-stricken country “as much as is required.” Gallant ordered the Israeli military to prepare to provide Morocco with humanitarian aid.

Israel and Morocco normalized relations in 2020 and have recently moved to deepen their diplomatic and security ties. Moroccan Senate president Enaam Mayara was scheduled to be the first Moroccan official and one of the few Muslim leaders ever to set foot in Israel’s Knesset, or parliament, earlier in the week but called off the visit to Israel at the last minute due to a medical emergency.

“A significant part of the Abraham Accords is our commitment to stand by our partners during difficult times,” Gallant said a in statement Saturday, referring to the U.S.-brokered accords that formalized ties between Israel and some Arab nations.

MOROCCO RECEIVES OFFERS OF HELP

President Joe Biden was among world leaders expressing sadness at the devastation facing the North African kingdom of Morocco after a powerful earthquake shook Marrakesh and its environs and killed more than 1,000 people.

Biden said Saturday that U.S. officials had been in contact with Morocco to offer help.

“We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe, and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people. The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment.”

Turkey, which lost tens of thousands of people in a massive earthquake earlier this year, was among those proposing assistance. France and Germany, with large populations of people with Moroccan origins, also offered to help. Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the government has been in touch with Moroccan officials about the possibility of providing help or rescue assistance.

Elsewhere, Qatar offered “provide all necessary assistance to the affected areas to support their recovery from the effects of the earthquake,” according to a statement by Qatar News Agency. The Emirates News Agency reported that Dubai police rescue teams were dispatching aid. King Abdullah II of Jordan also extended an offer of help.

Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolences, expressing his “profound solidarity” with those affected by the catastrophe. Francis visited Morocco in 2019.

ALGERIA OFFERS TO OPEN ITS AIRSPACE

Algeria has offered humanitarian aid to neighboring Morocco after a powerful earthquake in the kingdom on Friday night left more than 1,000 people dead.

In an exceptional move, Algeria offered to open its airspace to allow eventual humanitarian aid or medical evacuation flights to travel to and from Morocco. Algeria closed the airspace when its government severed diplomatic ties with Morocco in 2021 over a series of issues. The countries have a decades-long dispute involving the territory of Western Sahara.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s office said in a statement Saturday that Algeria is ready to offer humanitarian aid ‘’in solidarity with the brotherly Moroccan people, in case the authorities of the Moroccan kingdom express a wish for this.’’

The statement also offered to reopen the airspace, and condolences for the dead and ‘’deepest compassion’’ for the injured.

DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS OFFERS HELP

Doctors Without Borders, or MSF, says it is prepared to respond to the earthquake in Morocco that killed more than 1,000 people and left many more injured.

People were jolted out of bed Friday night by the magnitude 6.8 quake, a rarity in Morocco. In addition to the dead and injured, scores of structures not built to withstand such a powerful temblor crashed to the ground.

Avril Benoît, executive director of MSF-USA, said in a statement that people who live in the affected region are “key to the initial response” when searching for survivors.

“Earthquake survivors often require medical care such as surgery or dialysis, which can be a challenge when local health systems are affected by a disaster. Restoring health services and providing essential supplies also can be a priority at this stage. Our response will depend on the needs that are assessed on site.”

The dead are mostly in Marrakech and the five provinces near the quake’s epicenter, Morocco’s Interior Ministry reported Saturday morning.

Six Months On: Life & Tourism After Morocco’s Earthquake

I remember the first few weeks after the earthquake struck Morocco . The six months of recovery since then have been marked by hope, challenges, and, above all, the firm determination to rebuild. As Epic’s Head of Sustainability & Community and one of the team members based in Morocco, I’ve made many visits to the High Atlas Mountains in the months since the tragedy, and so I’ll provide an honest update on the progress made since my previous reflection made soon after the event.

Rebuilding lives in the High Atlas

Reconstruction efforts are underway, albeit at a pace that has exposed many fragile communities to a particularly harsh winter spent inside tents. Did you know it actually snows in the High Atlas Mountains? Ideally, the locals would have returned to rebuilt villages, but the journey has been challenging – particularly in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and decision delays. What shines through these difficulties is the unwavering determination of the people of the High Atlas, a testament to their resilience and strength.

A surge in Moroccan tourism

Despite the challenges to rebuild after the earthquake struck Morocco, it has been inspiring to see many businesses resume operations very quickly, signalling a return to normality. Soon after the earthquake, there was a surge in internal tourism . This stands as a kind testament to the Moroccan people, who did not let the earthquake deter them from enjoying their beautiful country and supporting local communities in the High Atlas.

Where can visitors explore after the earthquake?

Regional tourism promoters worked tirelessly to reassure travellers that visiting the Marrakech area was safe . Despite the earthquake, there was actually a 7% increase in international visitors in September 2023 compared to the same period last year.

In the High Atlas Mountains, we continue to work closely with our local partners to ensure our trips continue smoothly. Not everywhere was affected by the earthquake, and recently we have taken our clients to places like Imlil , Ouirgane , and even the top of Mount Toubkal , delivering the same Epic experiences we always have.

Where did the aid go?

On the aid front, I’m happy to share that most of the projects Epic supported and contributed to in the aftermath of the earthquake catastrophe have had a significant and positive impact on local communities in the High Atlas of Morocco. These projects have provided immediate relief and a glimmer of hope to the local population amidst the devastation, underscoring the value and effectiveness of our collective efforts.

At Epic, we wanted to maintain our commitment to the region. This is why we gathered a few partners, hiked to one of the affected communities in Al Haouz , and co-organised a beautiful give-back day in which we distributed winter packs to help the families endure the cold nights in the mountains. We also contributed to building part of the village’s gîte . This local guesthouse will provide work opportunities for this village.

Once again, I want to thank each of you who has contributed to the recovery efforts thus far. Your generosity and compassion have made a tangible and meaningful impact. If you wish to continue your contribution, join us in our continuous support of one of the non-profit organisations in the region that we trust, Afoulki Pour Les Femmes , helping them further their crucial work in providing direct help to the isolated communities in Al Haouz.   

Hope for the future

Looking ahead, there’s still much work to be done rebuilding after the earthquake in the High Altas, but there’s also reason to be optimistic. The journey to recovery may be long and arduous. Still, with continued solidarity and perseverance, we can rebuild stronger than before . As we navigate the path forward, we will keep our commitment to supporting the people of Al Haouz through our work and continuous support. After all, they have been a big part of the spirit of what we do and who we are.

Nuno Veloso – Head of Sustainability & Community

Nuno leads our community and sustainability commitments, considering the positive impact that Epic can have by giving back to local communities and managing the environmental and social impact of travel. Based in Morocco, Nuno has years of experience consulting with impact-driven organisations internationally, helping them create and implement strong, forward-looking plans. Nuno works closely with communities in Morocco and has the most up-to-date knowledge of the earthquake’s impact on the High Atlas Mountains, which struck in September 2023.

If you’d like to plan a trip to the High Atlas Mountains or other parts of Morocco, reach out to our team at [email protected]

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Morocco earthquake updates: Over 2,900 killed in rare, powerful quake

The quake struck Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range near Marrakech.

The death toll has continued to climb in the wake of the rare and powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Morocco Friday night.

More than 2,900 people are confirmed dead.

The quake, Morocco's strongest in more than a century, hit the country's High Atlas mountain range near Marrakech.

Latest headlines:

Death toll reaches 2,946, usaid makes up to $1m available for morocco.

• Rescuers reach epicenter

The death toll in Morocco has reached at least 2,946.

Rescuers have been digging in remote areas on Wednesday looking for survivors.

Samantha Power, administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, said Wednesday the agency would make up to $1 million available in initial humanitarian aid for Morocco's recovery efforts.

"This funding will help organizations on the ground provide emergency food assistance, health services, shelter, and mental health and psychosocial resources to assist the Moroccan-led response," Power said in a statement. "The United States is also sharing specialized technical expertise directly with the Moroccan government to bolster its ongoing emergency response."

"We stand ready to provide further support if requested by the Moroccan government," Power added.

-ABC News' Shannon Crawford

Death toll rises to 2,901

The death toll from the devastating earthquake has increased to 2,901.

Another 5,530 people are injured.

Moroccan government still not accepting US support

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller confirmed Monday that the Moroccan government has still not taken the United States up on its offer to provide support in its earthquake relief despite direct outreach from Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken spoke with Morocco's foreign minister this weekend and expressed his condolences, Miller said.

"They also discussed how the United States can best support the government of Morocco's leadership of the humanitarian response to the tragedy, and the secretary and the foreign minister pledged to stay in close contact as the response efforts continue," Miller said.

Asked whether the U.S. was providing any direct aid at the moment, Miller said, "We have made the offer for assistance and are in close consultations with the Moroccan government about how we can best provide that assistance."

- ABC News' Shannon Crawford

UN says it is 'ready to assist' as US embassy issues safety alert

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, said he is "profoundly saddened" after learning of the earthquake that took place in Morocco late Friday night, according to a statement issued by the UN Saturday morning.

"The Secretary-General was profoundly saddened to learn of the earthquake that hit Morocco today which claimed many lives," the statement read. "The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the government and people of Morocco in these difficult times. He addresses his most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured. The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population."

Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Morocco urged Americans to "exercise caution for the next 24 hours in case of additional earthquakes or aftershocks" and to "adhere to police instructions regarding road closures or traffic disruptions."

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Shopping cart items, update from atta members operating in morocco: resilience and relief after the earthquake.

Voices From the Field is a space for the benefit of our members to build awareness within our global community. The views and opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily ATTA’s, nor do we endorse them by their publication. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Thank you to the following ATTA Members who have contributed statements below:

• Idrissia Thestrup, ATTA Ambassador and Owner - Lost Horizon
• Jasmin Hadorn, CSR Manager - ASI Reisen
• Matt Berna, President and Managing Director for the Americas - Intrepid Travel
• Gina Meeks, Community Communications Specialist and  Keith Sproule, Executive Director -  Abercombie & Kent Philanthropy

Idrissia Thestrup, ATTA Ambassador and Owner, Lost Horizon

As an Amazigh woman, born in a remote and poor Rif Mountain village of Morocco, and as an Ambassador for ATTA, I feel compelled to share my voice to steer the conversation towards how the global tourism community can support resilience and relief initiatives in the impacted regions.

I woke up on the 9th of September with worried messages from friends asking about my family in Morocco. My dad lives in Morocco, as do half of my close relatives. After calling around, everyone was accounted for except our relatives in the Atlas Mountain area. We spent 24 hours worrying. The phones and communication lines were all damaged or disturbed by the earthquake. Luckily, we found out they were all safe, but for many that wasn’t the case.

On the fateful night of September 8, 2023, western Morocco was rocked by a calamitous 6.8 earthquake on the Richter scale. Originating near the town of Oukaïmedene, the quake wrought untold suffering—claiming over 2,900 lives and leaving 5,500 injured. The tremors radiated far beyond its epicenter in Morocco’s Al Haouz province, reaching as distant as Casablanca, Portugal, and Algeria. The tragedy reverberated through the region’s local communities and cast a dark shadow over its emerging adventure tourism sector.

In the immediate aftermath of the catastrophe, I tapped into the amazing ATTA network via WhatsApp. The community, despite being engaged in preparations for the Adventure Travel World Summit in Japan at the time, responded swiftly and supportively. Special recognition goes to Raj Gyawali from Social Tours in Nepal, whose insights into managing Nepal’s post-quake relief efforts in 2015 were invaluable, and to Shannon Stowell, who offered to leverage ATTA’s platforms to magnify the reach of my message and our collective relief efforts.

The earthquake unleashed its greatest fury on remote settlements tucked away in the Atlas Mountains, while mostly sparing the popular tourist destination of Marrakech from severe damage. The most devastating losses occurred in remote and poor areas that are notoriously difficult to access—rugged hillsides and isolated valleys. In places like Al Haouz, the widespread destruction was exacerbated by the prevalent use of unreinforced brick and masonry in building structures. Marrakech, in contrast, largely escaped unscathed thanks to its more modern construction standards made possible by the tourism boom in the city.

The quake-stricken areas are predominantly inhabited by Amazigh communities, who have long been marginalized in Moroccan society. Only in recent years has there been a resurgence and recognition of their unique languages and cultural heritage. Adventure tourism spotlights the untapped beauty of these regions, fuelling economic development and empowerment. However, the recent earthquake has dealt a debilitating blow to these nascent gains.

In response to the crisis, a multitude of organizations have rallied to provide immediate relief and ongoing support to the affected communities. Among them the Atlas Foundation aiming at advancing sustainability in Morocco. I also would like to highlight a few local initiatives I champion and I think are deserving of our support. Among them are:

• JOOD ( @ong_jood ): A citizen-led initiative that originally focused on assisting homeless and marginalized Moroccans. Jood were among the first to mobilize, using their volunteer network to bring relief to the remote communities. They are currently setting up mobile-home villages in the most remote areas to offer a more robust shelter solution for the approaching winter. Temperatures can drop past -10 degrees Celsius in the high mountains.
• Education for All ( @efa_morocco ): Actively engaged in promoting educational access for women and girls in the region, EFA’s community centers and boarding schools were damaged in the quake and are in dire need of rebuilding. They offer education and hope for a better life to many girls and women. Their fundraiser is through Global Giving .
• SOS Villages d’Enfants Maroc ( @sosvillagesdenfantsmaroc ): Focusing on the welfare of children, currently particularly working in the Al Houaz and Taroudant regions, this organization has established food banks and temporary educational facilities.
• Association INSAF ( @insafassociation ): A women’s rights NGO that has been quick to deliver relief to the impacted villages.
• Foundation JADARA ( @jadara_foundation ): Committed to providing 46 higher education scholarships for students from the affected remote villages. Without this financial help, these students would not be able to afford an education, and a better future for themselves and their families.

The tourism industry has a pivotal role to play in recovery, both immediate and long- term. Here are some avenues for impactful contributions:

• Promotion of Local Suppliers : Key players in the tourism industry can serve as catalysts for economic revitalization by championing local providers, as well as artisans and cultural experiences.
• Sustainable Tourism : As Adventure tourism does and should keep doing, we all have a duty to promote and prioritize sustainable practices as they can help ensure the gains from tourism infiltrate all areas of the local communities, fostering growth but also resilience against future disasters.
• Long-term Commitment and Support : The need for aid extends beyond the fleeting focus of media attention. Sustained engagement is crucial for meaningful recovery.

While the earthquake has wrought devastation, it also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collective action and community resilience. The tourism industry, with its global reach and influence, is uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact in the relief and recovery efforts.

Even though this article is about Morocco, let us not forget about Libya and the devastating flood that has recently killed at least 11,000 people. The country has a long road to overcome war, civil unrest, and natural disasters before it becomes a tourism destination, however, the communities and people there also need support from the global community.

As the media spotlights inevitably shift from one natural disaster to the other one, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to use our industry as a force for good not only where we have an economic interest, but everywhere we can make a positive difference.

Let us join our individual efforts with ATTA, and Tomorrow´s Air to help mitigate our industry´s impact on our environment, and assist in the best of our abilities regenerate beautiful but vulnerable destinations and communities.

Jasmin Hadorn, CSR Manager, ASI Reisen

ASI Reisen is an Austria-based tour operator with the mission to develop sustainable experiences for travellers and local communities alike. Jasmin Hadorn, CSR Manager, offers some insight into why it is imperative that trips to Morocco still take place and how ASI Reisen used fundraising to support local communities.

As a tour operator, we work closely with our local partners. This direct cooperation has been a reassuring component during these times and enabled us to understand our local partner’s situation and challenges. Fortunately, our partners in Morocco are safe and have not been directly affected by the earthquake. As local tourism businesses, they are currently most worried about the decline in bookings; the tragic events and the aftermath of the earthquake in Morocco has put a halt to the tourism industry. 

Our partners expressed that the intense coverage through media has distorted the image and conveyed the idea that the whole country lies in ruins. As a consequence, Moroccan tourism organisations are facing a strong decrease in bookings. This is not to downplay the suffering due to the earthquake, but the reality is that Morocco is still easily accessible and safe to travel to. For this reason, it is important to continue promoting trips to Morocco especially because the destination is very much dependent on tourism as a main source of income for many small and family-owned businesses. Precisely during challenging times like this, the tourism industry must go on, to ensure continuous employment and income.

Another concern which has been voiced was the moral aspect of travelling to Morocco. Our partner shared that some of the guests felt guilty about wanting to travel to Morocco, given that there has been an earthquake. Nevertheless, our partner stressed that guests are very much welcome in Morocco and that local communities appreciate visitors, especially since they travel despite the circumstances.

ASI Reisen continues promoting its trips to Morocco and to facilitate continuous support. In addition, ASI Reisen has started a fundraiser through its own donation platform. The platform was launched in 2021 to create added value in communities beyond travelling. This initiative has given us the chance to help give local aid projects more exposure and generating donations for them.

In that regard, our platform has proven to be a useful tool to mobilize donations in a short period of time. We launched a fundraiser campaign to support the CARE foundation in its efforts to coordinate disaster relief in Morocco and support the local communities on the ground. With CARE, we are supporting a professional organization that implements short, mid- and long-term measures to support the local communities. In September we were able to raise more than EUR 18,000 in donations through our platform, which will be doubled by ASI Reisen.  Additionally, ASI covers all costs and fees, so that the full amount of the donation goes to the aid project directly.

We have received a lot of positive feedback from our guests, friends, and partners. Especially many of our guests show a high willingness to support this fundraising campaign, often sharing with us memories of cherished experiences they had made in Morocco and emphasising they want to give something back to the communities.

At ASI Reisen, we believe that it is our responsibility to amplify the voice of our local partners and supporting their communities by encouraging responsible travel to Morocco. 

Matt Berna, President and Managing Director for the Americas, Intrepid Travel

Intrepid holds a deep and enduring connection with Morocco. As one of the tour operator’s biggest destinations globally, the country has shared its beauty with countless Intrepid travelers. Intrepid Travel offers 33 tours in Morocco, with a major office in Marrakech and nearly 80 local team members. Intrepid had 66 tour groups and approximately 650 customers on tours in the country at the time of the earthquake, all of whom are accounted for.

After the earthquake, Intrepid resumed trips to Morocco beginning on September 13th. We made some necessary changes to itineraries, rerouting from the Atlas Mountains and Marrakech medina, but otherwise the tourism industry, airports, hotels, restaurants, are all operating as normal and guides, leaders, and hosts are all eager to welcome travelers.

Tourism in Morocco has surged since the pandemic and it is vital to their economy. September, October, and November are peak travel seasons, and will be essential for the millions of people whose livelihoods rely on tourism in Morocco. One of the biggest risks moving forwards is letting false headlines write the wrong future for Morocco. Morocco is open, Morocco is safe, and Morocco is still an incredible place to visit.

Immediately following the devastating earthquake, Intrepid Travel launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation, committing to double all donations up to AUD $100,000. All funds raised will go directly to grassroots organizations to provide emergency relief and support in Morocco following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated parts of the country on September 8, 2023. As of September 25, 2023, the appeal has raised over $415,000.

The Intrepid Foundation has established the appeal to provide support to its long-term local NGO partners in Morocco, Education for All and the High Atlas Foundation who are on the ground working with local communities. This includes providing those impacted with essential provisions such as food, shelter, clean water, and medical supplies. The Intrepid Foundation will match donations to the Morocco Earthquake Appeal up to $100,000 AUD while covering the foundation’s administrative costs, ensuring 100% of donations go directly to recovery efforts.

To donate, please visit the Intrepid Foundation . 

Gina Meeks, Community Communications Specialist, and Keith Sproule, Executive Director - Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy

Abercrombie and Kent has partnered with a Moroccan DMC for over two decades. Our local Marrakech-based team is comprised of over 40 professionals dedicated to delivering the highest quality guest experience country-wide. It was with deep sorrow and a desire to provide immediate assistance that A&K operationalized the company approach to disaster relief.

On Friday, September 8, 11 PM local time, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Morocco. The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 43.5 mi (70 km) southwest of Marrakesh. A 4.9-magnitude aftershock followed just 20 minutes later. In total, at least 2,900 people have died, with more than 5,500 injured and at least 50,000 without homes.

The quake’s epicenter was in a remote area of the High Atlas Mountains. Nearby villages in this mountainous region experienced the most significant devastation, damage to buildings and infrastructure, and human losses. Government authorities and many organizations responded very quickly and efficiently, carrying out relief efforts and providing aid. Abercrombie & Kent Morocco and Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy have joined those relief efforts.

A&K Morocco moved into action immediately after the earthquake. Once the office knew guests and staff were safe, six vehicles were loaded with water, essential food items and blankets, and a convoy was organized to reach one of the impacted villages. Coordinating with local authorities, they delivered the supplies in the Amizmiz Region to about 200 families in three different remote villages near the epicenter of the earthquake.

The same evening, A&K Morocco co-financed with one of our camp suppliers to set up tents as the first emergency shelter in the village of Talat N’Yaaquod, high up in the mountain closer to the epicenter.

Most recently, in conjunction with the local authorities, A&K Morocco launched two convoys delivering the tents normally used for camps in remote areas. One convoy went to an area near Amizmiz and another to Tinmel. Tents were erected in the villages of Assoul, Amerzgan, Tazalt and Taferghoust, as close as 1.25 mi (2 km) from the epicenter. Even if small, this area will need more help to get through the coming winter.

Click here to donate to support the Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy relief efforts. Select “AKP Emergency Relief Fund” and type “Morocco” in the message section.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

As Morocco is hit by a devastating earthquake, is it safe to travel to Marrakech? Latest travel news

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More than 2,000 people have died after a rare, devastating earthquake struck Morocco late on Friday, September 8 – reducing some buildings in Marrakech to rubble .

Residents of Marrakech – the closest big city to the epicentre – said some buildings had collapsed in the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while Moroccan TV showed pictures of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars.

Morocco’s geophysical centre said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas, with a magnitude of 7.2 – with the US Geological Survey putting its magnitude at 6.8.

The quake is the deadliest in the country since a 2004 tremor in Al Hoceima in the northern Rif mountains, which killed over 600 people.

Marrakech is of course a popular destination for tourists and other visitors – but in the wake of the tragedy, is it safe to visit?

Is it safe to visit Marrakech?

At the time of writing, the Foreign Office (FCDO) has not advised against travel to Morocco or Marrakech.

The advice, written on Saturday, September 9 (and still correct as of Monday, September 11) , reads: ‘An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco near Marrakesh.

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‘Further aftershocks are possible. You should follow the advice of local authorities, and follow local media.’

It added: ‘All Moroccan airports are open and flights to and from the UK are operating normally, with some airlines laying on additional seats for travellers wishing to return to the UK earlier than planned.

‘Travellers wishing to change their flight plans should liaise direct with their tour operators or airline companies.

‘If you are planning to travel to Morocco imminently we advise you check with your accommodation provider / tour operator to confirm arrangements before departure in case of disruption or damage resulting from the earthquake.’

Marrakech Airport reportedly remains open and flights are continuing to take off and land as normal.

A number of flights from airlines including British Airways from Heathrow, easyJet from Gatwick, WizzAir from Gatwick and Ryanair from Manchester and Stansted were set to operate as normal as of Saturday.

As the FCDO advises, anyone who does have a trip to Morocco booked in the coming days should keep an eye on developments and contact their airline to confirm the flight is still going ahead.

Easyjet offered advice to customers at the weekend, saying: ‘The airports are open and our schedule to Morocco is operating as normal today, but we advise any customers travelling to check the status of their flight on our Flight Tracker or via the app.

‘Customers scheduled to travel to or from Morocco who wish to discuss their booking should contact our customer service team.’

Can I fly home if I’m already in Marrakech?

If you do decide to leave Morocco earlier than planned, you should contact your airline or tour operator to discuss this – as seats on earlier flights may still be available.

However, as current advice has not been to leave the country or not travel, it’s not clear whether you would be offered a refund in this instance, or be able to claim on your travel insurance.

MORE : More than 2,000 killed after rare and powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake hits Morocco

MORE : Morocco’s worst earthquake in 120 years has left thousands dead – map shows where it hit and how far it spread

MORE : ‘My dad, my mum, my sister, my brothers – all of them died in the earthquake’

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Morocco earthquake: Is it safe to travel to Marrakech?

Morocco was hit with a devastating earthquake of 6.8 magnitude on Friday, September 8, leaving nearly 3,000 people dead and thousands injured .

As rescue efforts continue, officials are expecting the number of dead and injured to continue rising significantly.

Meanwhile, many tourists who had been planning to visit the famed city of Marrakech have been wondering if it is safe or wise to go ahead with their holiday.

Here is a look at the factors to consider before making your decision about travelling to Marrakech.

Is it safe to travel to Marrakech?

Following the earthquake, tens of aftershocks have been taking place across the country.

The epicentre of the quake was about 70 km south-west of Marrakech and the city has definitely felt the impact of both the earthquake and its aftershocks. A number of buildings have been damaged and collapsed following the disaster, including the Unesco World Heritage Site of Medina.

The US Geological Survey has highlighted that “due to the shallow depth of the event and its proximity to high population centres, many buildings experienced severe shaking that can result in catastrophic failure”.

So, even if the buildings you were planning to stay in or visit haven’t collapsed during the earthquake, they may have sustained significant damage and might collapse in the coming times.

The day after the earthquake, on Saturday, September 9, the UK Foreign Office said: “On Friday 8 September 2023 an earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco near Marrakech.

“Further aftershocks are possible. You should follow the advice of local authorities, and follow local media.”

Are flights to Marrakech still going ahead?

Despite the disaster, flights to and from Marrakech have continued to operate.

EasyJet and British Airways added extra capacity with larger aircraft on flights to London on Saturday, September 9, to accommodate passengers who wanted to come home early.

And some operators are allowing their customers to reschedule their travel . British Airways, for instance, is letting passengers who are due to travel to or from Marrakech before September 24 change the dates of their flights for free. Similarly, Air France is letting customers modify or postpone their flights without an additional charge.

Will travelling to Marrakech impact the locals negatively?

Given the humanitarian crisis the country is currently suffering, tourists who visit Morocco might put extra strain on the limited resources the nation has.

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For this reason, some have opted to cancel or postpone their holiday, so that the food, water, and other resources they would consume while in Morocco can be saved for the locals instead.

Plus, many Moroccans have been left without a home in the aftermath of the quake, so hotels with extra space might decide to offer them shelter if they have the availability.

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Earthquake strikes Morocco’s historic sites

Tourism is vital to the economy and visitor numbers surged by 92 per cent to about 6.5 million in the first half of 2023

The Tinmel mosque has stood proudly in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, close to the epicentre of Friday’s earthquake , since the early 12th century.

As news of the natural disaster spread on Saturday, so did images of the destruction wrought on Morocco’s historic landmarks across social media.

Among the most striking was the severe damage inflicted on Tinmel, one of just two mosques open to non-Muslim visitors in Morocco.

Famous as a glittering example of Almohad architectural heritage, it was built in 1156 by the first Caliph of the Almohad empire Abd Al Mumin.

The village of Tinmel was the cradle of the Berber Almohad empire. The mosque was built to commemorate Mehdi Ibn Toumert, who used Tinmel as his base for the conquest of Marrakesh in 1147.

For the last 800 years, the mosque, which is no longer active, has overlooked the Valley of Ouirgane from the vantage point of a 1,230-metre-high mountain. Now its walls and edifice are in ruins.

Sixty-five miles away from the snow-capped Atlas mountains, in the tourist hotspot of Marrakesh, there were fears that some of the city’s world-famous treasures had been lost to the quake.

Images emerged of rubble and debris from collapsed buildings strewn across the narrow streets of the historic old town.

The old city is known as the Medina and became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1985. It boasts buildings that date back to its foundation in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty, which swept out of the desert to conquer Morocco.

Before the earthquake, tourism had rebounded strongly in Morocco, and few cities captured the imagination of tourists like the souks of Marrakech and the red walls surrounding it.

The walls are made from the distinct red earth of the surrounding plains and are why the ancient metropolis became known as the “Red City”.

Moroccans posted videos showing damage to parts of the historic ramparts, and some of the collapsed walls.

The Jemaa el-Fna, the busiest square in Africa, can also be found in the old town. Many people rushed to the triangular plaza, which dates to the 14th century, as buildings toppled and swayed during the earthquake.

Popular with locals and tourists, it is normally buzzing with snake charmers and market stalls and is overlooked by the mediaeval Koutoubia mosque.

The iconic mosque, which is carefully protected due to its celebrated status, was damaged but the extent is not clear at this stage.

There were fears its 226-foot minaret, known as the “roof of Marrakesh” could collapse after footage emerged of it wreathed in dust in the wake of the 6.8 magnitude quake.

Still an active place of worship, it is not open to non-Muslims and was recently fitted with solar panels and energy-efficient lights.

Footage on social media showed that part of a minaret on another mosque on Jemaa el-Fna square had collapsed.

Marrakech, where many historic buildings were not built to withstand earthquakes, is due to host the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank in early October.

Until Saturday morning, tourism in Morocco, a vital part of the economy, had rebounded strongly since the end of the pandemic. Tourist numbers surged by 92 per cent to about 6.5 million in the first six months of 2023.

People in the capital Rabat and the city of Casablanca also fled their homes after the earthquake forced many to sleep outdoors in Marrakesh out of fear of further building collapses.

The tremors were even felt three hours away from Marrakech in Essaouira, where windy beaches attract kite surfers.

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• Sep 11, 2023

Morocco situation update

We have been in touch with our partners in Morocco - Atlas Outdoor - over the weekend and would like to post an update on the situation on the ground.

First and foremost, the team at Atlas Outdoor wish to express sincere gratitude for the concern and unwavering support extended during the recent very challenging days.

In light of the many planned tours on the horizon, they felt it necessary to provide an update on the current situation there, particularly considering the way that events have been portrayed in the media. It is indeed a catastrophic situation in some areas, where people are still missing and buried under the rubble. The hardest-hit regions are primarily to the south of Marrakech, including Toubkal, especially Amezmiz, the Asni Valley and the provinces of Taroudant and Ouarzazate.

As Atlas Outdoor are situated close to the centre of these events, they are witnessing the situation first-hand and experiencing the full spectrum of emotions. Their team particularly wanted to provide reassurance that Marrakech, the city they call home, remains safe and intact. The images in the media often depict older streets that have long been deemed hazardous. Even before the earthquake, authorities had been working on relocating residents to safer areas for reconstruction.

They have been in contact with all of their partners in Marrakech - including hotels and riads - and are relieved to report that they are all safe. The buildings remain structurally sound and secure. The same holds true for Taroudant and Ouarzazate.

The only precaution they are taking pertains to upcoming tours in the Toubkal region. They will be avoiding this area for the next month until they can confirm that the situation has stabilized.

Their main focus is currently on the affected Berber villages and they are doing whatever they can to provide help and support with the resources at their disposal. They remain steadfast in their commitment for the safety of customers and want to be sure that they can continue to operate each tour successfully as originally planned.

If you want to help, you can donate to UNICEF who are on the ground, providing urgent assistance to children and their families - donate here .

We will continue to keep you updated, and we hold onto hope that the resilient mountain communities will recover and thrive once more.

And finally we would like to appeal to everyone working in the travel industry not to make rash decisions at this time. The local people in the towns and villages of Morocco need your support more than ever, so please avoid knee-jerk reactions and hold steady. Apart from making donations to charities, the best thing you can do to support the people of Morocco is to continue to promote and offer tours there.

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