Morocco’s traditional charm faces disruption as urban development escalates amid rising tourism, particularly post-2022 World Cup. The influx of visitors and population growth places pressure on local artisans, who now struggle against new commercial developments. Significant projects often displace communities without adequate compensation or consideration of their needs, highlighting the consequences of rapid modernization.
Morocco is renowned for its traditional allure, featuring artisanal crafts and historic corner shops. However, the landscape is changing as towns are dismantled for modern development projects, raising concerns about the consequences for original communities. Following Morocco’s remarkable performance at the 2022 World Cup, tourism has surged, with 17.4 million visitors recorded in 2024, exceeding the projected goals for 2026. This influx, coupled with a population increase of 8.8% over the past decade, intensifies pressure on urban areas.
The government has accelerated property redevelopment in anticipation of hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Significant investments include a billion-dollar eco-tourism resort at Taghazout Bay and the Rabat Marina urban renewal project, set to enhance economic activity. However, the growth of tourism has inadvertently sidelined local artisans, forcing them to compete with new establishments and threatening their traditional crafts.
A poignant example is Oulja, a once-thriving artisan hub in Sale, which has now been largely demolished to pave the way for new hotels. The relocated artisans inhabit a temporary site lacking the vibrancy of their former location. Reports indicate a stark difference in ambience, leading to diminishing sales and a decline in community spirit among artisans like Younes, who lament the situation.
Local artisans have faced substantial losses, and many have not received adequate notice regarding their relocation. As Younes states, the new site restricts their ability to manufacture goods, leaving them in dire financial straits. With limited resources and diminished profits—estimated at 40% less—many artisans express deep concerns over their viability in the coming years.
Rapid urbanization in Morocco raises critical issues like informal housing and social inequality. According to Dr. Mohammed Hlal, Morocco is addressing urban challenges by integrating disaster management strategies into development plans. Nevertheless, significant changes to large plots of land displace many longstanding communities. Zenata’s redevelopment project has razed homes and livelihoods, highlighting the tension between urban advancement and local heritage.
Rachida, a victim of the expropriation process, recalls being uprooted from her family home, receiving compensation insufficient to purchase even a modest alternative. The ongoing tension has sparked protests among displaced residents, who express frustration over the inadequate compensation and prolonged delays in payments, illustrating the personal toll of these initiatives.
Previous eco-projects in Morocco have faced criticism for mismanagement, such as the ghost town of Tamesna, which failed to achieve its housing goals. The Marchica Lake project, intended for eco-friendly tourism, has instead led to severe pollution issues, further compromising local biodiversity. Various studies underscore the health of Morocco’s ecosystems, prompting the involvement of environmental agencies to mitigate damage, although gaps remain in effective oversight.
The urban development and tourism expansion in Morocco come with hidden costs, particularly for local artisans and residents whose livelihoods are threatened by rapid change. The surge in tourism has created a paradox where traditional crafts and communities face displacement, leading to significant financial and emotional repercussions for individuals like Younes and Rachida. It is crucial for the government to prioritize inclusive development strategies that consider the voices and needs of affected communities to foster sustainable growth without sacrificing cultural heritage.
Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net
