Tourism: Essaouira is full

"Since the end of July, the occupancy rate of the Sofitel is over 85% and we are fully booked until August 15. For now, the month of August is as good as last year, despite Ramadan, "says Thomas Greggory, CEO of Sofitel.

However, the forecasts were not so optimistic. "Usually, when Ramadan falls in summer, the activity has a drastic fall. But people want to travel and they do not always have choice but have to do so during the month of August, "says the CEO of Sofitel.

Official figures confirm the recovery in tourism. Last June, the number of overnight stays in classified tourist accommodation in Essaouira was up 23% compared to the same month the previous year. The average occupancy rate was 35%, representing an increase of six points compared to June 2009. The recovery comes mainly from foreign markets, which have risen 27% against 10% for the residential market.

For the outbound market, it is is the UK market which has wintessed the best recovery (100%), then the German market (74%) and Italian markets (66%) and American (58%). Hoteliers point particularly to the revival of the English market. "Essaouira is a destination that suits the English especially. Moreover, the city is popular with well known English travel agents "says Greggory.

A recoverey then, but a fragile one ... "It is far from familiar cities such as Marrakesh and Agadir," said a hotel source. This weakness can be explained by the lack of hotel infrastructure capable of selling the destination. "For months, we spend about 200,000 DH just for canvassing of travel agencies and commissions. However, few other hotels or guest houses are able to provide such an investment. If you want to a full recovery, we must develop the commercial aspects, "says the source.

It must also be noted that this summer, Essaouira has emerged as a people destination. It has hosted several international stars, including Juan Jose Hidalgo, CEO of Air Europa and the tour operator Travel Plan, the French actor Jean-Paul Rouve, the famous comedy duo of Erik and Ramzi and writer Eliette Abecassis. As for the Moroccan dignitaries, the Minister of Justice Tayeb Mohamed Naciri visited Essaouira, accompanied by his wife, and the Secretary General of the PPS Nabil Benabdellah.


Marie-Noëlle Rasson
L'Economiste