Morocco Embraces Digital Era in Tourism with Nationwide Lodging Reporting System

The Moroccan hospitality sector is undergoing a transformative shift with the implementation of the Night Stay Telereporting System (STDN), a cutting-edge tool designed to modernize the management of tourist accommodation establishments (EHTs). This initiative, aligned with recent laws and regulations, aims to enhance data collection and analysis of establishment performance in an efficient and real-time manner. The project, a collaborative effort across multiple institutions, sets out to position Morocco as a leader in digital hotel management.

Currently, approximately 83% of tourist accommodation establishments in Morocco have already adopted the STDN system. This figure reflects widespread acceptance by the hospitality industry, acknowledging the numerous advantages offered by this new technology. The telereporting tool seeks to replace manual declaration methods with an automated system accessible through an online platform at www.stdn.ma.

The primary objectives of the STDN include improving data collection, enabling real-time analysis, enhancing efficiency and time savings, reducing time spent on administrative procedures, increasing operational efficiency, and ensuring legal compliance as mandated by Law 80-14. This transition is essential for all EHTs hosting tourists.

The STDN platform centralizes data provided by EHTs, allowing for the daily compilation of information related to tourist night stays. This system replaces manual declarations, which were not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. The user-friendly interface and platform accessibility facilitate rapid adoption by users.

The process is simple and intuitive. Each EHT is required to log in daily to the www.stdn.ma platform to record night stays. The collected data includes:

•  Number of night stays
•  Nationality of tourists
•  Type of accommodation
•  Services utilized

This information is vital not only for national statistics but also for more detailed analyses at the regional or local level.

The success of the STDN relies on close collaboration between several Moroccan institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, the General Directorate of National Security, and the Royal Gendarmerie. This synergy ensures not only effective implementation but also continuous system monitoring and supervision.

In February 2024, a joint circular signed by Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of Interior, and Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, was sent to walis, governors, as well as regional and provincial tourism delegates. The circular aimed to closely monitor the registration of establishments in the STDN and raise awareness among hotel managers about the importance of this new regulation. The awareness campaign comprises two essential components: training, communication, and dissemination of information on the advantages and usage modalities of the STDN through media campaigns and presentation workshops.

By 2024, 3,414 tourist accommodation establishments had registered with the STDN, representing 83% of active establishments. Projections for the coming months anticipate complete adherence, allowing every tourism stakeholder to benefit from the advantages brought by this technological innovation.

For luxury hotels, the STDN enables optimal management of VIP clientele. Real-time data collection helps anticipate customer needs and personalize services, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience and satisfaction.

Smaller establishments, such as inns and guesthouses, benefit from increased visibility and a better understanding of tourist demand. The collected data assists them in adjusting their offerings and identifying peak seasons to maximize occupancy.

Larger tourist resorts, often more diverse in their offerings, utilize the STDN to coordinate the various segments of their service delivery. This includes managing accommodations, leisure activities, and organized events, enabling integrated and efficient management.