It’s a question asked in the wake of any major natural disaster, especially one that hits a popular tourist destination: to travel or not to travel?
Hawaiian authorities went through this conundrum following the devastating Maui wildfires when it recently decided to reopen West Maui – the hardest hit area – from 8 October. Its “difficult decision”, as stated by Hawai’i Governor Josh Green, “is meant to bring hope for recovery to the families and businesses on Maui that have been so deeply affected in every way by the disaster”.
The sentiment in Morocco, parts of which last week were decimated by a massive earthquake, is similar. Donate to the country, yes. But also show your support by travelling there.
To this end, one of the biggest tour operators in Morocco, Intrepid Travel, resumed trips in the North African nation on 13 September.
Morocco (mostly) open
Intrepid managing director ANZ Brett Mitchell said more than 500 customers are embarking on “their Moroccan adventure over the next week”.
“Local communities – including our staff, tour leaders and businesses across the country – are telling us the best and most impactful way to help is for travellers and travel companies to stand by Morocco and to continue to travel there,” he said in a statement to Karryon.
“We’re making necessary changes to itineraries, rerouting from the Atlas Mountains and the Marrakech Medina.
“Otherwise, the country is operating as normal, including airports, trains, transport, businesses and restaurants.
“Tourism in Morocco is operating as normal and guides, tour leaders and hosts are all eager to welcome travellers.”
Mitchell called Morocco “one of Intrepid’s most popular destinations, and we want to do everything we can to support local communities affected”.
“We have been able to provide immediate relief to grassroots organisations on the ground through the Intrepid Foundation’s Morocco Earthquake Appeal, which has raised over $300,000 and counting, plus the Intrepid Foundation’s commitment to match every dollar raised up to $100,000.”
From 13-22 September, Intrepid is leading 63 trips across Morocco with 518 customers.
In an email to Karryon, Mitchell said while Intrepid had 60 groups on the ground at the time of the quake, carrying more than 600 customers, only 17 travellers chose to leave the country with all other customers remaining on trips.
There have been no changes overall to foreign travel advice levels for Morocco, with governments advising tourists to avoid affected areas.
More support
Meanwhile, TTC Tour Brands said all of its upcoming Morocco departures are “scheduled to operate as planned and we do not envisage needing to change hotels or sightseeing activities in our itineraries”.
“None of our trips are scheduled to visit and/or stay in the rural areas of the Atlas Mountains,” it said in a statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the devastating situation in Morocco and extend our thoughts to all those who have been affected.”
TTC said it would “continue to closely monitor the situation on the ground”.
“We reassure our agents and guests that we are working closely with our team in Morocco to take care of our guests’ well-being, with the locals who are affected in mind.”
To support those impacted by the tragedy, TTC has donated US$50,000 (nearly $80,000) “on behalf of all brands operating in the region, to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement who are deeply involved with helping those in the region”.
Elsewhere, small group adventure company Explore said it had cancelled trekking trips to Morocco until the end of 2023, but intended to operate all other trips to the nation from 16 September.
“For departures up until 13 October, we intend to adjust some itineraries where necessary – including minimising time spent in Marrakech, re-routing trips to avoid the affected areas and reviewing the Marrakech city tour to avoid the damaged areas,” it said in a statement.
“We expect the majority of trips to operate as per original itinerary from 14 October.”
For its part, The Explore Foundation will be supporting the Red Cross, which is working on the ground to get resources to those who need it most. Explore says it will match all donations up to £20,000 (nearly AU$40,000).
