Morocco Launches Unified Star Rating System for All Tourist Accommodations
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: In a landmark move to enhance tourism standards, Morocco has officially launched a new unified star rating system that will apply to all types of tourist accommodations across the country, including hotels, riads, guest houses, kasbahs, and more.
This is the first time that all forms of tourist lodging in Morocco will be classified under a single, internationally recognized star system, a reform led by the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy. The ministry announced the implementation of five new official orders to update and expand the 2015 law on tourist accommodations, aiming to provide travelers with clearer, higher-quality experiences.
“Every type of accommodation, whether hotels, riads, hotel clubs, or kasbahs, will now use the same star rating system that travelers recognize worldwide,” said Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor. “Morocco is world famous for its hospitality. With these new measures, we are elevating our hospitality standards to match our legendary reputation!”
The new rating system, modeled on global best practices, will simplify the booking process for tourists and align Morocco’s hospitality standards with international expectations. The evaluation will consider both physical infrastructure and the quality of services offered throughout a guest’s stay. To ensure objectivity and consistency, “mystery visitors” will conduct periodic inspections using a rigorous checklist of up to 800 criteria, developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization.
Ratings will no longer be permanent. Newly established accommodations will be reassessed every seven years, while existing ones will undergo evaluations every five years to ensure sustained quality.
A notable addition to the updated legislation is the introduction of Residences Immobilières Adossées (RIA), a model that allows investors to construct private villas adjacent to five-star or luxury hotels. These properties can be sold to private owners but will be managed by the hotels, offering guests a more exclusive and private luxury experience. The initiative is expected to boost high-end tourism investments in the country.
Tourism establishments will have a 24-month transition period to comply with the new standards. This grace period will allow businesses to enhance their services, train their staff, and prepare for the new evaluation process.
Further regulations are expected to follow soon, covering alternative accommodation options such as “bivouacs” (desert camps), home stays, container homes, cabins, and rentals listed on popular digital booking platforms.
This ambitious overhaul aims to position Morocco as a leading global tourist destination while ensuring a consistent and high-quality experience for all visitors.
