Moroccan Tourism in 2025: Spectacular Growth but Persistent Challenges
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Moroccan tourism has been experiencing a very favorable phase since 2024. Tourism revenues reached nearly 50 billion dirhams in the first quarter of the current year, confirming a robust recovery after the global health crisis. This upswing is the result of a combination of factors that can be analyzed from several perspectives.
Certainly, the gradual lifting of health restrictions worldwide enabled a massive return of international visitors, particularly Europeans, but also travelers from other regions of the globe. With its unique cultural richness, history, lively medinas, diverse landscapes ranging from the Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches, sunshine, colors, unparalleled craftsmanship, refined cuisine, and the warmth of Moroccans—their smiles, their ability to quickly connect with others, and their tolerance—the Kingdom has managed to attract clientele seeking authentic and varied experiences. After two difficult years, this strong recovery reflects renewed tourist interest in the destination.
According to the government, the rise of the tourism sector is linked to a strategy and sustained policy of investment in infrastructure: world-class hotels, improved transport networks, airport modernization, and expansion of air routes. These efforts have undoubtedly significantly enhanced the country’s accessibility as well as visitor comfort and security, all now essential elements to remain competitive in a highly competitive international market.
The Kingdom has also heavily invested in its global visibility through well-calibrated promotion campaigns, regular presence at major international trade shows, and strategic partnerships with key tourism players. This well-thought marketing strategy has attracted a diverse clientele, amplifying the effect of a strong national brand.
Developing the tourism offer plays a crucial role in this dynamic. In addition to traditional cultural and seaside getaways that the country is famous for, Morocco is now focusing on growing segments: adventure tourism, desert trekking, extreme sports, ecotourism, national parks, protected areas, and cultural events, international festivals, and exhibitions. This diversification aims to attract different tourist profiles year-round and avoid excessive seasonality.
The exceptional event of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, through the performance of the Moroccan national team and the enthusiastic support of its supporters in the stadium and the streets of Doha, had an amplifying effect on the country’s global visibility and image. This competition put Morocco on the international tourism map, attracting a significant influx of visitors and creating immediate spotlight on its attractions. As a direct result, Morocco exceeded in 2024 its initial target of 17.5 million tourists planned for 2026—a remarkable achievement.
However, without contesting the announced figures, this bright spot should not mask certain challenges. A closer look at the statistics reveals a different reality. A significant portion of recorded tourists, about 50%, are Moroccans residing abroad (MRE), who visit mainly for family reasons rather than tourism linked to government strategies. It should not be overlooked that these same MRE often denounce recurring problems, foremost among them the high cost of air transport with Royal Air Maroc, which is heavily subsidized by public funds. Price gouging in hotels and restaurants, especially in summer, is also widely criticized. These difficulties impact the retention of international visitors as well, as return rates are very low. The fact that operators at all levels impose exorbitant price increases during peak season tarnishes the country’s image and discourages visitors.
Staying in Morocco is abusively expensive for unclear reasons.
Indeed, few tourists return multiple times after their first visit. This raises questions about the quality of the customer experience and the destination’s competitiveness.
Excluding MRE and visitors traveling for professional reasons, the number of foreigners visiting Morocco by deliberate choice is therefore not that high. This calls into question the efficiency of the very large subsidies granted to the sector and, above all, the effectiveness of the promotional campaigns.
The Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Office attribute the recorded success to their proactive policy, but the reality shows that this growth largely relies on the emotional attachment of the MRE, a factor less controllable by public authorities.
Will the post-World Cup momentum and the goodwill generated be sustained over the long term?
It is difficult to precisely gauge how much of the upswing is due to the World Cup context and what the real impact of public policies is, especially subsidies and aid allocated to the sector. This impact, however, cannot be ignored.
To maintain the course and ensure sustainable growth of the sector, it is essential that Morocco continues and deepens its efforts: ongoing investments and innovation in the tourism offer. However, the major urgent challenge remains controlling the outrageous costs for visitors. The government’s silence on this issue risks hurting the sector badly. The summer sunshine is too expensive. It is time for the entire industry to stop acting like predators, and for scams and extortion to be forever banned quickly.
Another key challenge is integrating sustainable development policies to preserve natural and cultural resources within the broader framework of inclusive development across all regions of the country. It is also imperative to include citizen awareness and education in this vision. Polluted or neglected beaches and sites, annoying incivility, and inappropriate behaviors are additional challenges to be addressed.
Tourism must remain one of the major engines of Morocco’s economy, generating jobs and wealth while enhancing the country’s international standing.
Still, we shall wait until the end of the campaign to make a final judgment, especially on the trajectory of the numbers and the effectiveness of measures announced in the sector’s development strategy, and above all to draw the necessary lessons.
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[Short Stories #4 ] A Red Flower Among the Ice [1/3]
417
The radio crackled softly in the dim kitchen, the announcer’s voice steady but tinged with concern.
“This week, heavy snow is expected. Please be careful if you must travel and …”
Karl was busy on the living room floor, toy cars rattling loudly in his hands as they scattered across the rug. His father, standing in the kitchen doorway, raised a hand gently.
“Karl, please, not so much noise. I want to listen to what they’re saying on the radio.”
“Sorry, Dad,” Karl muttered, setting one of his cars aside, his brow furrowed with boredom.
Their mother entered, phone pressed to her ear, a tired sigh escaping her lips.
“No classes this week,” she announced.
Karl groaned, “Another boring week stuck at home.”
“Dinner’s ready,” his mother called, her voice breaking the silence. “Come eat before it gets cold.”
Karl trudged to the table, the long winter night stretching out before him—cold and quiet, just like the thick ice blanketing the world beyond their windows. The house felt suspended in time, the wind whistling now and then, the only other sound the gentle hum of the old radio. Outside, street lamps cast faint halos through frosted glass.
The days passed slowly, one blending into the next, each wrapped in an endless layer of white. The world outside seemed to hold its breath, every noise muffled by the heavy snow. Streets once filled with color and movement were now hushed and blank, as if time itself had frozen.
At last, on the final day of the week, their mother opened a window wide.
“Look,” she whispered. “The snow has stopped. It’s beautiful today.”
Karl hurried to her side, eyes wide as he peered out. The garden glistened beneath the weak morning sun, untouched except for delicate patterns of frost sparkling quietly.
“Can I go outside? Just for a little while?” Karl pleaded, his hope unmistakable.
His mother smiled softly.
“Okay, but dress warmly—and don’t go too far.”
Bundled up in scarf and mittens, Karl stepped outside, his breath clouding in the crisp air. He clutched his favorite toy car, venturing into the silent, frozen yard. Everywhere he looked, white shimmered—nature itself seemed on the verge of beginning anew.
Suddenly, amid the endless white, a surprising splash of color caught his eye.
“What’s that?” Karl whispered.
Moving closer, he saw it: a single brave red flower pushing through the icy crust, vivid and alive against the snow. Its petals tilted upward, reaching as if to catch every drop of sunlight.
The sight filled Karl with wonder.
“So beautiful,” he murmured. “What are you doing here, all alone?”
He circled the flower, curiosity mounting. He didn’t understand how anything so small, so delicate, could survive here.
“I’ll take you home with me,” he decided. Gently, he cupped his hands to pull the flower free—but it didn’t budge. Its roots, deep within the ice, held fast. Karl tried again, but it remained stubbornly in place.
Disappointed and hungry, the little boy picked up his toy car and made his way back indoors.
That evening, as the family gathered for dinner, his mother asked, “Karl, how was your walk today? You didn’t say anything when you came inside.”
Karl hesitated, then replied quietly, “I found a red flower growing in the ice.”
Everyone laughed. His father teased, “Poor flower, it must be freezing out there!” They chuckled, but Karl was stung. No one believed what he’d seen.
After dinner, the house quieted once more. The family went to bed, the next day would be the start of a new week—school would resume.
Morning came. Karl’s mother called up the stairs, “Karl, time to get up for school!”
No answer. She climbed to his room.
Karl was not in the room…
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A Last Chance: The King of Morocco’s Message to Algeria on the Sahara Issue...
617
His Majesty the King's speech, delivered on July 28, 2025, on the occasion of the Throne Day, carries particular significance in a diplomatic context that is admittedly new but has been developing for a long time. The recent circumstances are marked by the tour of Massad Boulos, father of one of Donald Trump’s sons-in-law and special envoy of the President to the region. These circumstances are further highlighted by the remarks before the U.S. Congress of the newly appointed ambassador to Rabat, who is very close to the President. Richard Duke Buchan III did not mince words: the Sahara is Moroccan. He knows the region well, having been ambassador to Spain.
This situation says a lot about the current dynamics of the conflict over the Moroccan Sahara and about Algeria’s troubled stance on this issue.
In his widely followed speech, eagerly awaited and well-reported by Moroccans due to the rarity of His Majesty's words, the King of Morocco emphasizes the repeated "outstretched hand" offered by Rabat. He stresses the brotherhood between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples while underlining the constancy of his position. The goal is to exert moral and diplomatic weight, presenting an image of responsibility and openness while implicitly denouncing Algerian obstruction. This rhetoric effectively offers a way out for Algeria, which is becoming isolated on the international stage. Addressing the Algerian people, His Majesty essentially calls them to witness.
By explicitly highlighting growing support for his proposal, notably recent backing by the United Kingdom and Portugal, His Majesty sends a message with a dual meaning:
*- Morocco enjoys increasing support for its autonomy proposal, which legitimizes its position broadly supported by the West, the Arab world, the majority of African countries, and others;
- At the same time, Algeria is becoming increasingly diplomatically isolated, as confirmed by the awkward silence regarding the Sahara issue in official statements, especially after the American special envoy’s visit.*
The speech disregards the new realities and moves directly to a constructive proposal for dialogue within a fraternal framework.
On the other side, the absence of any mention of Western Sahara in Algerian official statements following Boulos’s meeting with President Tebboune is particularly telling. Added to this is the recent statement by the Lebanese president, made in the presence of Tebboune and his close entourage in the heart of Algerian power. He thanked the Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia and Morocco for their involvement in resolving the political crisis in his country, without a word about the Sahara. The tone of Joseph Aoun’s voice is grating to the aligned guards. Faces are tense.
This reflects either a political unwillingness or inability of Algeria to publicly address this subject under international pressure, except in the presence of marginal countries. There is also an embarrassment or divergence between the regional political reality and Algerian diplomatic communication. The fact that the American special envoy continues his tour, with a clear mission, according to Trump, "to end this artificial conflict," demonstrates international determination to promote a resolution favoring Morocco’s proposal. At least, this can be inferred from Trump’s letter to His Majesty on the occasion of the Throne Day.
Are we nearing a scenario similar to the resolution of the conflict between Rwanda and the DRC?
His Majesty the King’s renewed call can be seen as a last resort, a final offer of appeasement: an opportunity for Algeria to step down from its stubborn stance without losing face, relying on a credible and internationally accepted proposal. Morocco has shown both patience and firmness. The next step now depends on Algeria’s choice.
Unfortunately, instead of an official response, the Algerian authorities have communicated indirectly through media channels, some of whose outrageous remarks are perplexing. They even claim that the King of Morocco eventually threw in the towel in the face of Algeria’s intransigence. The lifeline extended by the King to a languishing regime is perceived as a mere sponge by the very one who needs it.
A pity.
Algeria now faces its contradictions, confronted with a complex constraint. Continuing to support the Polisario means further entrenchment and a risky isolation, both regionally and internationally, with an even greater threat of political weakening internally. The country suffers from an unprecedented economic crisis, limiting, due to a lack of foreign currency, imports that are vital to the economy and the people. Recurring electricity and especially water cuts in several regions add to the difficulties. The dilapidated state of cities is perplexing. Tebboune’s reassuring talks do not lessen the bitterness of the population.
Heeding Morocco’s call would allow Algeria to reposition itself politically without losing face; explicitly refusing dialogue is increasingly costly and diplomatically unsustainable. Algeria risks sinking into a crisis that benefits neither its international credibility nor regional stability, and even less its domestic stability.
The involvement of the American special envoy in the region, the discretion regarding the Sahara case in Algerian communiqués, and the King of Morocco’s speech all point to the same reality: the status quo can no longer continue.
The generous and wise royal appeal is indeed a last chance offered to Algeria to escape the deadlock, avoid international political embarrassment, and preserve some dignity for its leaders.
By opting for dialogue, Algiers would also save face internally, with a population that has been fed a hatred of the Kingdom for five decades and sacrificed for a cause that brought only misery and disappointment.
What does the population feel when it sees mercenaries occupying part of its territory, parading at its expense, pretending to lead a bogus “republic”?
The international context, with major actors clearly engaged for a pragmatic resolution, reduces Algeria’s room for maneuver.
Will Algeria seize this opportunity to redirect its policy, or will it continue a costly and potentially harmful strategy?
In that case, there will be only one loser: Algeria.
The regional and international momentum is accelerating every day in favor of the Moroccan proposal. This is the meaning , and only the meaning, that should be given to the Throne Day speech of the King of Morocco.
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Understanding.
732
The food had just arrived, a bucket of figs, submerged in cool water to shield them from the heat, when the boy entered the narrow street. Confused and burning with anger, he broke the peace that had settled over the biggest ape.
“Come here,” said the biggest ape, voice low and firm.
He reached into the water and extended the boy a fig.
“Take this.”
“I don't understand...” the boy muttered, lowering himself onto the carpet. Grief and rage glowing through his eyes.
“You can have more,” answered the biggest ape.
A long pause followed. The ape measured every words carefully as the boy's tears drew sharp lines across his face.
“Listen,” he said at last.
“To understand life, you must see death.
To understand light, you must see darkness. To understand justice, you must see injustice.”
The biggest ape then ran a single finger across the still surface of the water, the motion briefly parting it into two.
They ate in silence.
In the distance, a ship was leaving the harbor, its sails taut with wind, its trail splitting the ocean.
*Such is the nature of understanding: fleeting borders in the mind of God.*
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What’s new in Bluwr version 1.4?
747
Bluwr keeps evolving to enhance your reading, sharing, and publishing experience. Here's what version 1.4 brings:
==**Four Major New Features to Discover**==
__1– Series: Organize Your Articles into Collections__
Do you publish regularly around the same topic? The new Series feature lets you group your articles into thematic, coherent collections. Whether it's a documentary project, a serialized fiction, or a journal, you can now offer your readers a structured and fluid experience.
__2– Two New Reading Themes__
Bluwr now includes two new visual modes, alongside the existing Mediterranean Sea (default) and Vintage Newspaper (classic printed-paper feel):
Comfort: designed to reduce blue light exposure while remaining readable even under bright daylight.
Night Mode: perfect for reading in the dark without disturbing others nearby.
You can switch between themes any time from your profile settings.
__3– Persistent Login Across Devices__
The login bug has been fixed. Your session will now remain active—even when switching browsers or devices. That means you can now use Bluwr on your phone just like an app, without needing to log in every time.
__4– General Improvements and Fixes__
Beyond these visible updates, this version also includes interface and usability improvements for a smoother, more intuitive navigation experience.
Try out the new features today. The Bluwr team continues to refine the platform—version after version.
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5 things you can do with Bluwr's new Sharing QR Codes
749
What are Bluwr Sharing QR Codes?
Bluwr Sharing QR Codes are quick-access codes generated when you click the share icon on any article or the information [i] icon on a user profile within Bluwr. When scanned, these QR codes instantly direct your device to the respective article or user profile—removing all barriers and making sharing as smooth and immediate as possible.
==**Five Practical Uses for Bluwr Sharing QR Codes**==
__1-Effortless Article Sharing__
Reading something a friend would love? Instead of copying links or searching for them in messaging apps, just have your friend scan the article’s QR code right off your screen. They’ll have instant access to the content, wherever you are—no email or messaging apps required.
__2-Personal Branding Tool__
Elevate your networking: allow potential clients, recruiters, or collaborators to scan your profile's QR code and immediately see your credentials and expertise. You can even display the code on business cards or signage in your office, or print a dedicated QR code linking to an article that highlights your experience and services.
__3-Enhance Presentations and Posters__
Boost engagement at events or talks by displaying a QR code that links to your speaker profile, more of your writing, or supporting materials. Attendees interested in your work can scan to access detailed bios, summaries, or extended resources—all with a single scan.
__4-Streamline Conferences and Events__
Organizers can reduce printing costs and simplify information access by distributing schedules, speaker bios, and session abstracts as QR codes on programs, posters, or badges. For example, a session listing might feature the speaker’s name, topic, and a QR code that links to their biography and full session details, putting comprehensive event info at every attendee’s fingertips.
__5-Smarter Book Sample Distribution__
Publishers and indie authors can host free book samples on Bluwr, leveraging its strong online presence. Instead of printing numerous paper copies, just print QR codes that link directly to these samples. This approach dramatically reduces costs and makes it effortless for readers to explore multiple works—expanding reach while saving resources.
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The Golden Dawn
860
It is impossible to discuss about magick without mentioning The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. It was founded in the late 19th century and stands as one of the most influential occult societies in modern history. Emerging during a period of intense fascination with mysticism, spiritualism, and ancient wisdom, the Golden Dawn synthesized a wide range of esoteric traditions—Hermeticism, Kabbalah, alchemy, astrology, Tarot, Rosicrucianism, and Enochian magic—into a structured, initiatory system. Its teachings and rituals laid the foundation for much of today’s ceremonial magic, influencing major occult figures such as Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), Dion Fortune (1890-1946), Israel Regardie (1907-1985), and even elements of Wicca and New Age spirituality.
The Order was formally established in 1888 in London by three Freemasons—William Wynn Westcott (1848-1925), Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers (1854-1918), and William Robert Woodman (1828-1891)—who claimed to have received authorization to form the group from mysterious German Adepts through the discovery of a cipher manuscript. This document allegedly contained the outlines of a magical order structure and provided the inspiration for the Outer Order of the Golden Dawn, which focused on ceremonial ritual, magical symbolism, and spiritual transformation through the Tree of Life in the Jewish Kabbalistic tradition.
The Golden Dawn was hierarchical and initiatory, with members progressing through a series of grades based on the Qabalistic Tree of Life, each corresponding to deeper levels of metaphysical understanding. The Outer Order (or First Order) focused on theoretical knowledge—Hermetic philosophy, astrological correspondences, geomancy, and the use of symbols, especially those from Egyptian and classical sources. Students were trained in ritual magic, visualization, and the manipulation of elemental and planetary energies.
The Second Order, known as the Rosae Rubeae et Aureae Crucis (RR et AC), was an inner circle reserved for initiates who had demonstrated proficiency and inner development. Here, the emphasis shifted from theory to practical and ceremonial magic, including advanced work in scrying, spirit evocation, Enochian magic, and astral projection. Members of the Second Order were tasked with performing complex rites, often involving magical tools such as wands, swords, pentacles, robes, and the use of consecrated temples.
One of the Order’s most innovative features was its integration of diverse traditions into a coherent symbolic and ritual framework. For example, the Enochian system—derived from the angelic communications of John Dee and Edward Kelley in the 16th century—was systematized and used in conjunction with Kabbalistic and astrological symbolism. Tarot cards were not only used for divination but also mapped onto the Tree of Life and the Hebrew alphabet, giving them philosophical depth. The Golden Dawn also refined techniques of pathworking, where initiates would meditate upon the paths of the Tree of Life to achieve spiritual insight and astral exploration.
Despite its achievements, the Golden Dawn was plagued by internal disputes and power struggles, particularly between MacGregor Mathers and other senior members such as Aleister Crowley and A.E. Waite (1857-1942). By the early 20th century, the original Order had fragmented into various offshoots. Yet these splinter groups—such as the Stella Matutina, Alpha et Omega, and later Builders of the Adytum (B.O.T.A.)—continued the legacy, adapting Golden Dawn teachings for new generations.
In the 1930s, Israel Regardie, a former initiate, published many of the Golden Dawn’s rituals and teachings in *The Golden Dawn: A Complete System of Magic*, ensuring the Order’s survival and revitalization. His work preserved and democratized the system, bringing its methods to solitary practitioners and small esoteric groups around the world.
Today, the Golden Dawn’s influence is nearly universal in Western esoteric and magical traditions. From Thelema to Chaos Magic, Wicca, and modern Hermeticism, echoes of its symbolism, ritual structure, and magical philosophy remain foundational. Its emphasis on disciplined self-transformation through knowledge and will continues to resonate with seekers pursuing spiritual development beyond dogma.
In summary, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was not merely a secret society—it was a philosophical and magical renaissance, seeking to awaken the divine potential within each individual through a synthesis of ancient wisdom and modern ritual. It represents a key turning point in the Western Mystery Tradition: a bridge between the occult revival of the 19th century and the rich diversity of contemporary magical practice.
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