Special Report | Saidia… Contradictions of a Tourist City Between the Beauty of Nature and Reality of Prices
On the shores of the Mediterranean, where the sea meets an endless horizon, Saidia presents its dual face: stunning natural beauty and a tourism experience fraught with contradictions. The city, long referred to as the “Pearl of the East,” today appears as a battleground of quiet conflict between the tranquil blue waters and the high prices, between the promise of relaxation and frustration from complaints.
In this report, we delve into the details of the city’s summer landscape, exploring narratives from visitors who are split between admiration for its beauty and dissatisfaction with its chaotic rental scene, along with professionals rejecting accusations of exaggeration and officials assuring that matters are under control. Here in Saidia, stories intersect to create a picture of a city still searching for balance between the allure of nature and the demands of organized tourism.
City Aesthetics… An Open Beach and a Calm Unlike Western Cities
The breathtaking landscapes offered by Saidia cannot be denied, earning it the title of “the Pearl of the East.” The city stretches along one of the longest and cleanest sandy beaches on the Moroccan coast. Its turquoise waters, vastness, and calm make it ideal for families seeking relaxation away from the noise of other cities.
Its new promenade features spacious walkways for walking and cycling, as well as organized seating areas. The “Saidia Marina” boasts a recreational port reflecting significant investments in maritime tourism. The city is surrounded by green spaces, children’s facilities, and local markets that are gaining increasing popularity.
Even its eastern borders have become a point of attraction, as visitors head towards the closed border crossing with Algeria just to capture rare photos from the farthest east of the Kingdom.
Captivating Views… And an Unbalanced Experience
In one of the side streets branching off the promenade, Jawad, a family man from Salé, is preparing to leave the apartment he rented for three days. “The apartment cost me 600 dirhams per night, which is a reasonable price compared to last summer. But food here is a real issue. A regular meal for a family could exceed 300 dirhams, and the quality doesn’t justify it,” he says, carrying a cooler with water and self-prepared food.
Mohamed, a Moroccan living in France, visited the city for the first time in five years. “A room in a decent hotel for 500 dirhams is a very acceptable price. However, restaurants need to be reevaluated; the service is average to poor, and the taste is missing. In other cities, you pay this amount and get a better experience,” he mentions while browsing reviews of some restaurants on his phone.
High Prices and Complaints… The Victims Being Low-Income Families
Fadwa, a mother of three from Marrakech, recounts her harsh experience at the start of the holiday: “The first apartment was 350 dirhams, but we found dirt everywhere. No clean toilet, no ventilation; we had to change it.” Later, she paid 600 dirhams per night for another apartment after going through numerous intermediaries. “The brokers are scammers; they give you a preliminary price, and when you arrive, it’s something else. There’s no law, no oversight. For a family of five, Saidia has become a difficult choice for us.”
Brokers… The Black Spot in Visitors’ Experiences
Bashir J., a Saidia resident, claims that “the rumors about high rental costs are not accurate.” He adds, “Brokers inflate prices in collusion with some landlords, tarnishing the city’s reputation, while many apartments are directly listed at reasonable prices.” He emphasizes the need for regulation in this sector to protect it from chaos.
At the city’s entrances, the same scene repeats: brokers offering apartments at attractive prices, only for those to change during inspection. Most visitors do not lodge official complaints and simply leave angrily.
Professionals Respond: Prices are Stable… Some Individual Deviations
In a classified hotel, a front desk staff member states: “The number of visitors is less than in previous years, but we haven’t raised prices. A night in the hotel starts from 450 dirhams, and we offer full services.”
On the other side of the promenade, inside a popular restaurant, its owner defends himself: “Talking about high prices is unfair to the restaurants that operate with integrity. Yes, some raise prices unjustifiably and offer poor quality, but not all of us are like that, and authorities conduct regular inspections,” he explains while pointing to the price list hanging behind him.
Officials: No High Prices… The City is Ready for the Season
In an attempt to understand the local authorities’ stance, we tried to contact the head of the local council, but that proved difficult. We reached out to a member of the regional council of Berkane, but his phone went unanswered. We finally connected with a consultant, who affirmed that the city retains its tourist appeal and that “interest in Saidia has not declined, especially from Moroccans living inland and abroad, with expectations of a significant rise during August.”
The spokesperson explained that mixed committees continuously monitor restaurants, cafes, and tourist facilities, indicating “effective coordination among all authorities to ensure a successful summer season.” Regarding the criticisms about rising prices, they considered “the talk of inflation to be exaggerated,” emphasizing that “the municipal council, local, and regional authorities provided all necessary resources to ensure visitor comfort and organize various events throughout the summer.”
Events and Security… Positive Points in a Moderate Season
Despite the criticisms about prices and services, the positive aspects of Saidia this season cannot be overlooked. The city is alive with a series of diverse events, from agricultural and trade fairs attracting visitors and allowing them to discover local products, to cultural and entertainment activities aimed at families and children, creating a lively atmosphere on its streets and promenade.
The municipality has also provided designated play areas for children and open spaces for families, contributing to a comfortable environment for holidaymakers seeking enjoyment, away from chaos. Many visitors confirm that these vibes give the city a different character compared to previous seasons.
In terms of security, authorities are making clear efforts to safeguard visitors and ensure smooth traffic within the city, where members of the national police are noticeably present in various streets and vital points, including the promenade and tourist areas. These measures have enhanced the sense of security among holiday-goers, reducing instances of chaos or seasonal assaults that often accompany peak tourist periods.
Tourism sector professionals assert that the strong security presence and organizational measures have helped improve the city’s image among visitors, even though some constraints related to prices and services remain.
In summary, these efforts seem to form one of the bright points of a moderate summer season, while also confirming that Saidia needs a comprehensive plan that combines enhancing security and recreational activities on one hand, with regulating prices and improving service quality on the other.
