Morocco has launched a comprehensive star rating system that will standardize quality assessments across all tourist accommodations,marking the first time hotels,riads,guest houses,and other lodging types fall under a single internationally recognized classification framework.
The Ministry of Tourism published five new official orders updating the 2015 tourism lodging law,aimed at enhancing visitors’ experiences through clearer quality indicators. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor emphasized that all accommodation types—from hotels to riads,hotel clubs to kasbahs—will now utilize the globally recognized star system.
The evaluation process extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass service quality throughout guest stays. Mystery visitors will conduct regular inspections using detailed checklists of up to 800 criteria developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization,ensuring comprehensive quality assessment across all properties.
A significant shift introduces regular review cycles,with new establishments assessed every seven years and existing properties every five years,abandoning the previous permanent rating system. This dynamic approach ensures accommodations maintain high standards consistently rather than resting on past achievements.
The ministry also introduced “Residences Immobilières Adossées” (RIA),allowing investors to develop private villas connected to five-star or luxury hotels. These hotel-managed villas can be sold to private owners while offering luxury guests enhanced privacy,potentially attracting significant tourism sector investment.
Tourism businesses receive a 24-month adjustment period to upgrade services,train staff,and prepare for new inspections. Future regulations will address additional accommodation types including camping sites,homestays,and innovative options like container homes,while incorporating popular booking platform listings into the standardized system.
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