Analysis of the Impact of Seaside Tourism on the Hinterland of the Eastern Mediterranean Coast of Morocco: Challenges and Limitations of Complementarity

Abstract

Since the first decade of the 21st century, the development of tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean Coast of Morocco (E.M.C) and the renewed interest in its tourism potential have been at the origin of a significant tourism dynamic. This study examines the connections between this coastline and its hinterland in terms of tourist activity. This involves analyzing the extent to which promoted seaside tourism has had a knock-on effect on tourism in the hinterland. The study shows a low impact of E.M.C seaside tourism on its hinterland, mainly frequented by resident tourists from the main urban centers of the region. The insufficiency of infrastructure, the proximity of urban areas and the reduced range of services offered limit its attractiveness. Despite a different tourist potential between the two zones, tourist complementarity is far from being achieved. Visitation to the hinterland is low, with the offer focused on accommodation and catering, which generates very limited socio-economic impacts. The current strategy, based on the seaside aspect, must be revised with a view to promoting niche tourist products in the hinterland, thus strengthening the competitiveness of the E.M.C, particularly against its Mediterranean competitors.