Mohamed Chakaoulou reveals the legal keys to sustainable and competitive Moroccan tourism

Tuesday 23 September 2025 - 14:56

By: Dakir Madiha

Mohamed Chakaoulou reveals the legal keys to sustainable and competitive Moroccan tourism

The recent release of Tourism Law in Morocco by Dr. Mohamed Chakaoulou marks a pivotal moment in defining the legal framework of one of the nation’s most vital economic sectors. With over thirty years of experience as a tourism consultant and specialist, Dr. Chakaoulou emphasizes the urgent need for a comprehensive legal structure to govern Moroccan tourism. As the sector continues to expand and cement its role as a key driver of the national economy, this publication offers invaluable guidance for policymakers and industry professionals navigating an increasingly complex environment.

Tourism’s crucial role in Morocco’s economy

Tourism in Morocco is a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing approximately 7% to GDP and creating thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. After the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has made a strong recovery. In 2023, Morocco welcomed over 11 million visitors, reaffirming its position as one of Africa’s leading tourist destinations.

Cities such as Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir, and Tangier remain top draws for travelers worldwide, offering a unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and world-class hospitality. However, sustaining this growth requires a modernized legal framework capable of addressing evolving market dynamics, including sustainability and digital transformation.

Advocating for a structured tourism legal framework

Dr. Chakaoulou’s work calls for the formal recognition of tourism law as a distinct field within Moroccan legal studies. Currently, tourism activities are governed by a fragmented collection of regulations derived from commercial, urban planning, and administrative law. This patchwork approach often creates legal ambiguities that hinder the sector’s potential.

The book provides a comprehensive analysis of existing legal frameworks, identifying inefficiencies and gaps that need to be addressed. Dr. Chakaoulou advocates for harmonized regulations to offer greater clarity and security for investors, operators, and tourists. Drawing on international models and local case studies, he proposes practical solutions to modernize and streamline the tourism sector’s legal standards.

Addressing emerging challenges and trends

The publication arrives during a period of significant global shifts in the tourism industry. From the rise of sustainable tourism to the expansion of digital platforms, these changes demand a rethinking of traditional regulatory approaches. Dr. Chakaoulou dedicates chapters to critical issues such as the regulation of short-term rentals via platforms like Airbnb and the governance of online travel agencies.

Environmental tourism, particularly in regions like the Merzouga desert and the Rif mountains, is also gaining momentum and necessitates robust environmental protections. These protections are not optional but essential for maintaining Morocco’s international competitiveness.

Furthermore, the book delves into urgent topics such as data protection for travelers, the digitalization of services, and crisis management strategies for public health, climate, and geopolitical disruptions. These emerging issues, often overlooked in traditional legal discourse, are now central to crafting a resilient tourism industry in a post-pandemic world.

A practical resource for stakeholders

The book is designed to serve a broad audience, including researchers, students, tourism professionals, investors, and government officials. It bridges theoretical concepts with practical applications, offering actionable insights for devising informed investment and development strategies.

By clarifying Morocco’s legal environment, the publication also enhances the country’s appeal to foreign investors. A stable, transparent regulatory framework is crucial for attracting capital and supporting ambitious projects, from luxury resorts to cultural tourism circuits and infrastructure developments.

Morocco’s vision for tourism’s future

The release of Tourism Law in Morocco aligns with a wave of initiatives aimed at modernizing and diversifying the nation’s tourism offering. These efforts include promoting intangible cultural heritage, creating thematic travel routes focused on gastronomy, craftsmanship, and spirituality, and spotlighting underexplored regions such as the southern coast and Saharan oases.

Achieving these goals requires a robust legal foundation. Dr. Chakaoulou’s work encourages policymakers to integrate tourism more deeply into public policy, recognizing its dual role as an economic powerhouse and a key component of Morocco’s global image.

Charting a sustainable path forward

Tourism Law in Morocco serves as both a call to action and a roadmap for the future. It fosters dialogue among legal experts, government leaders, and industry stakeholders, aiming to create a tourism sector that is sustainable, competitive, and aligned with modern travelers’ expectations. In an era of rapid global change, this book provides a vital compass for navigating challenges and capitalizing on new opportunities.