Travel industry springs into action following Morocco’s devastating earthquake
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated Morocco on Friday night, with 2,122 dead, 2,421 injured, and of those at least 1,400 in critical condition, NBC reported.
The earthquake, which took place in the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range – about 70km from Marrakesh, has been felt across multiple cities in the nation. Infrastructure, including power, water and communications, has been greatly impacted and Smartraveller has warned that after shocks could occur.
Morocco earthquake death toll rises to 2,122
Al Jazeera reported this, and apparently these are far from final figures. Also, more than 2,400 people were injured. pic.twitter.com/wJr33cCH8o
— Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) September 10, 2023
In light of the devastation, multiple tour operators and wholesalers that operate in Morocco have sprung into action with an array of updates and initiatives to address the issue.
Intrepid Travel, which frequently operates tours in Morocco, has launched an emergency appeal to raise urgent funds to support recovery efforts. In less than 24 hours, the wholesaler has nearly raised $140K.
Biheng Zhang, the general manager of The Intrepid Foundation (TIF), praised those who had donated and highlighted the critical role this will play in recovery.
“We have two existing TIF partners – Education for All and High Atlas Foundation – both personally devastated by the earthquake and yet moving quickly to provide necessary supplies to impacted families, including getting resources to remote villages that have been most deeply affected. Our fundraising efforts will help their immediate efforts,” Zhang said. He went on to highlight that TIF is matching very donation up to $100k.
G Adventures has also taken action following the earthquake, telling Travel Weekly that it is currently running tours, except those travelling to the areas most impacted, which are those visiting Mount Toubkal.
“We are rerouting tours heading to Imlil and Ait Ben Haddou accordingly to avoid these destinations. We are also offering alternative experiences in Marrakech to avoid the Medina, which has sadly been impacted by the earthquake,” a spokesperson said.
G Adventures has highlighted the importance of keeping areas clear and let emergency services fulfil their role. The company said it will assess when it is appropriate to resume trips.
“Bringing tourism income back to the affected areas will be vital to support the local communities, but only when it is the appropriate time, and we do not yet know when that will be.”
Dennis Bunnik, the joint-CEO of Bunnik Tours, said that his company has a couple of groups in Morocco that are “all safe and well.”
“The situation on the ground is still being assessed but changes will be required to touring itineraries as a result of damage to the old medina in Marrakesh as well as the impacted areas of the High Atlas Mountains. We are working with our local office to confirm these changes now.”
Bunnik told Travel Weekly that his company is reaching out to clients that have groups departing for Morocco in the coming two weeks to update them on the developing situation.
“Tours to Morocco are proceeding as the vast majority of the country’s tourism sights are not impacted,” he said.
Toni Ambler from TTC confirmed that all its guests travelling across its brands are safe and we have adjusted itineraries over the weekend to move guests out of Marrakesh.
“(We) will continue to make any amendments to our itineraries in accordance with the situation on the ground. We reassure our agents and guests that are travelling with us soon to the destination of Morrocco that we are working closely with our team in Morocco to take care of our guest’s well-being, with the locals who are affected in mind,” Ambler said.
Travel Weekly awaits response from Luxury Escapes regarding how it is approaching the disaster.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Biheng Zhang bunnik tours Dennis Bunnik g adventures intrepid Marrakesh morocco the intrepid foundationLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!