Six Months On: Life & Tourism After Morocco’s Earthquake

I remember the first few weeks after the earthquake struck Morocco. The six months of recovery since then have been marked by hope, challenges, and, above all, the firm determination to rebuild. As Epic’s Head of Sustainability & Community and one of the team members based in Morocco, I’ve made many visits to the High Atlas Mountains in the months since the tragedy, and so I’ll provide an honest update on the progress made since my previous reflection made soon after the event.

Rebuilding lives in the High Atlas

Reconstruction efforts are underway, albeit at a pace that has exposed many fragile communities to a particularly harsh winter spent inside tents. Did you know it actually snows in the High Atlas Mountains? Ideally, the locals would have returned to rebuilt villages, but the journey has been challenging – particularly in navigating bureaucratic hurdles and decision delays. What shines through these difficulties is the unwavering determination of the people of the High Atlas, a testament to their resilience and strength.

A surge in Moroccan tourism

Despite the challenges to rebuild after the earthquake struck Morocco, it has been inspiring to see many businesses resume operations very quickly, signalling a return to normality. Soon after the earthquake, there was a surge in internal tourism. This stands as a kind testament to the Moroccan people, who did not let the earthquake deter them from enjoying their beautiful country and supporting local communities in the High Atlas.

Where can visitors explore after the earthquake?

Regional tourism promoters worked tirelessly to reassure travellers that visiting the Marrakech area was safe. Despite the earthquake, there was actually a 7% increase in international visitors in September 2023 compared to the same period last year.

In the High Atlas Mountains, we continue to work closely with our local partners to ensure our trips continue smoothly. Not everywhere was affected by the earthquake, and recently we have taken our clients to places like Imlil, Ouirgane, and even the top of Mount Toubkal, delivering the same Epic experiences we always have.

Where did the aid go?

On the aid front, I’m happy to share that most of the projects Epic supported and contributed to in the aftermath of the earthquake catastrophe have had a significant and positive impact on local communities in the High Atlas of Morocco. These projects have provided immediate relief and a glimmer of hope to the local population amidst the devastation, underscoring the value and effectiveness of our collective efforts.

At Epic, we wanted to maintain our commitment to the region. This is why we gathered a few partners, hiked to one of the affected communities in Al Haouz, and co-organised a beautiful give-back day in which we distributed winter packs to help the families endure the cold nights in the mountains. We also contributed to building part of the village’s gîte. This local guesthouse will provide work opportunities for this village.

Once again, I want to thank each of you who has contributed to the recovery efforts thus far. Your generosity and compassion have made a tangible and meaningful impact. If you wish to continue your contribution, join us in our continuous support of one of the non-profit organisations in the region that we trust, Afoulki Pour Les Femmes, helping them further their crucial work in providing direct help to the isolated communities in Al Haouz.   

Hope for the future

Looking ahead, there’s still much work to be done rebuilding after the earthquake in the High Altas, but there’s also reason to be optimistic. The journey to recovery may be long and arduous. Still, with continued solidarity and perseverance, we can rebuild stronger than before. As we navigate the path forward, we will keep our commitment to supporting the people of Al Haouz through our work and continuous support. After all, they have been a big part of the spirit of what we do and who we are.

Nuno Veloso – Head of Sustainability & Community

Nuno leads our community and sustainability commitments, considering the positive impact that Epic can have by giving back to local communities and managing the environmental and social impact of travel. Based in Morocco, Nuno has years of experience consulting with impact-driven organisations internationally, helping them create and implement strong, forward-looking plans. Nuno works closely with communities in Morocco and has the most up-to-date knowledge of the earthquake’s impact on the High Atlas Mountains, which struck in September 2023.

If you’d like to plan a trip to the High Atlas Mountains or other parts of Morocco, reach out to our team at info@epic.travel

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