Travel blog: Discover the Souss Massa Region
Welcome to this blog, the first in a series of initiatives aimed at providing relevant information on tourism and the contemporary hospitality industry to stakeholders in Souss Massa.
Travelers’ habits are changing fast. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent impacts of global warming in Europe and other source markets, significant changes have transformed the psychology of travelers.
Fortunately, this change in behavior can be very beneficial for the Agadir and Souss Massa region. Current research, based on surveys of over 50,000 residents in more than 30 countries, carried out by agencies such as Hotels.com and Booking.com, clearly shows that travelers now prefer “planet-first” destinations. These regions demonstrate a serious commitment to responsible, sustainable tourism. The Souss Massa region is ideally positioned to meet these new market expectations.
The statistics are highly revealing, and can provide a clear roadmap for tourism suppliers wishing to develop or reinvent their products in line with emerging demand. What’s more, the trends identified today can be expected to amplify over the next decade, as awareness of environmental issues and the climate crisis becomes more entrenched in the “new normal” of the tourism market.
Let’s explore a few aspects of the market that will influence your business model.
- Tourists’ commitment to sustainability
Whether you run a hotel complex in Agadir, a guesthouse in Taroudant or a travel agency in Tiznit, it makes sense to quickly become recognized as a sustainable business. Extensive research shows that worldwide, more than 3 out of 4 travelers [78 %] intend to seek out low-impact accommodations for their vacations. So whether you’re investing in rainwater harvesting, using renewable energy or building with sustainable materials, it’s now “essential” to implement and showcase your sustainable practices.
In fact, 46% of travelers have already stayed in eco-friendly establishments, indicating that at least half of all travelers are looking to repeat the experience.
- Opt for a reduced carbon footprint
Nearly 3 out of 4 travelers [71 %] are very concerned about the growing effects of climate change and want to make greener travel choices, particularly in Europe. This concern has increased by 10% in 2022 compared to 2021, showing a clear trend. Extreme weather events are having an impact on travel habits, favoring low-carbon tourism experiences and services.
Offering low-carbon activities [comme le vélo] and promoting your efforts towards carbon neutrality [renewable energies, local purchasing, reforestation, etc.] demonstrates your commitment to this growing and important demand.
- Demonstrate your commitment to the community
More than half [59 %] of international travelers want to leave their destination better than when they arrived. A quarter [25 %] would be willing to pay more if they knew the extra costs would directly benefit local communities.
The Souss Massa region offers many opportunities for this type of experience. Whether it’s a resort supporting regenerative agriculture or a travel agency promoting local crafts, every player can contribute to creating a positive experience for travelers and local communities alike.
However, more than a third of [35 %] visitors don’t know how to find tourism products that benefit the community. A similar number [32 %] want their suppliers to identify how they can contribute to local development.
- Balancing responsibility and leisure
Vacations no longer mean exonerating yourself from responsibility by traveling abroad. 30% of travelers feel they have a responsibility to reduce the negative impacts of their trip, particularly on natural resources. Supporting local biodiversity can enhance the traveler’s experience while preserving the environment.
Bearing in mind the above statistics, the success of tourism businesses lies in their ability to meet market expectations. This blog will continue to examine contemporary trends and technologies to help the Souss Massa region remain competitive in the tourism sector.
