New Regulatory Decisions Enhance Classification and Quality of Hospitality Institutions in Morocco
The issuance of five new regulatory decisions in the official Gazette marks an important step in strengthening the legal framework of Law No. 14-80 concerning tourism institutions. This is part of the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity’s efforts to bring about a qualitative transformation in the sector and provide an ideal tourist experience.
Fatima Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity, confirmed that the government successfully implemented decisions for the execution of this law, adopted in 2015, through collaborative efforts with professionals and all relevant parties. She noted that this step represents a qualitative leap that will help position Morocco among the world’s top tourist destinations.
The ministry’s statement clarified that this new regulatory framework represents a critical milestone in the development of the tourism sector, as hospitality institutions will benefit from a simplified star classification system compliant with international standards. This applies to guesthouses, tourist residences, and hotel clubs, while also incorporating sports and traditional Moroccan riads into the new system, adding value and highlighting their authenticity.
This globally recognized classification provides greater clarity for tourists in selecting accommodations and enables tourism operators to build clearer and continually improving offers.
Service quality has become a fundamental factor in assessing customer experience, alongside infrastructure and facilities. To maintain this level of quality, regular surprise visits will be organized by specialized experts using detailed criteria that could go up to 800 standards developed in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization.
The new system sets the classification duration for hospitality institutions at seven years, requiring renewal every five years, along with periodic assessments to ensure compliance with the required standards.
The new framework introduces an innovative concept in five-star and luxury hotels concerning residential properties linked to hotels. Investors can sell villas connected to hotels and manage them within the hotel services, providing a new mechanism to support tourism investment.
The ministry has allocated a 24-month transitional period for operators to adapt to the new standards, granting sufficient time to make improvements and train staff according to new requirements in preparation for upcoming classification operations.
Further regulatory decisions are expected to enhance this framework, focusing on organizing three new types of tourist accommodation, including mobile camps, local accommodation, and alternative lodging that encompasses innovative forms of stay. These measures will also extend to regulating products offered on the most widely used digital platforms.
These anticipated decisions will enforce strict terms of reference to ensure service quality and safety while gradually integrating unregulated operators into the formal sector, thereby expanding accommodation options available to tourists.
Diversifying the tourism offer is expected to provide more competitive prices, especially during the summer season, encouraging domestic tourism and ensuring a better quality of the tourist experience.
