Morocco's Agafay Region: A Growing Hub for Eco-Tourism

In Morocco's Agafay region, tourists prepare for a camel ride, a popular eco-tourism activity. Located 35 km from Marrakech, Agafay is a focal point of Morocco’s eco-tourism efforts, which aim to promote sustainable travel, according to a report by Africanews and the Associated Press.

The Kasbah Agafay Hotel and Spa, one of the region's first eco-tourism projects, opened in 2000 after being renovated with locally sourced materials. Owner Abdessalam Damoussi was inspired by a book on the human connection to the land, and his project showcases sustainable practices. Today, he says the Kasbah attracts around 5,000 tourists annually, offering activities such as camel riding, cooking classes, and organic gardening.

Morocco aims to attract 26 million tourists by 2030. Part its strategy includes promoting eco-tourism. It’s slowly gaining traction. It accounted for 5% of the 17.6 million tourists who visited in the first half of June, with Agafay contributing 3% to this figure. 

Local tourist adviser Nabil Bouraissi noted to Africanews that eco-tourism is increasingly seen as complementary to traditional tourism, providing new revenue streams during off-peak times.