Ecotourism in Morocco: Review of the Current Situation, Natural Potential, Cultural Diversity, Obstacles and Recommendations for Future Research

Abstract

The dominance of mass tourism in the kingdom of Morocco does not reflect the diversity of cultural and natural potentials in this country dating back 12 centuries. 7,8 This abnormal situation is enforced firstly by the complexity of universal ecotourism requirements and secondly by the Moroccan market, which has not advanced greatly on that road on the ground. 9,10 However, recently the adopted management strategies and their juridical backgrounds have given distinct consideration to a more ecological form of tourism, particularly within protected zones, and to the requirement of conserving natural landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. 11,12 Moroccan nature contains both biotic and abiotic constituents which together form ordinary biodiversity on all bio-geographical echelons, from continental, regional, and local scales. 13,14 There are 11 national/natural parks in Morocco and 38 RAMSAR wetlands. These ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, climatic conditions, and geographical location. 15,16 They host attractive landscapes from coastal lines to Saharan Oasis, biodiversity combining unique plant species and their associated wildlife, and a variety of topographical structures from mountains to plains. 17,18 All these elements have a great potential to be used in sustainable tourism in parallel with mass tourism. Consequently, the outcomes from this promoting activity will help in the conservation of nature and create permanent jobs for the local population. 19,20 Currently, tourist activities have taken a slight turn from old-style forms of tourism to new more sustainable practices. 21,22 This behavior revolution might be due to the fact that converted it was influenced more by the local antiquity of history, moral values, and culture of the particular destination, which are widely present in Morocco. 23,24