Morocco standardizes tourist accommodation with universal star rating system
Morocco has launched a comprehensive star rating system that aims to standardize quality assessments across all types of tourist accommodations, including hotels, riads, guest houses, and other lodging options. This marks the first time these diverse establishments will be evaluated under a single, internationally recognized framework.
After years of dedicated work, Morocco is finally launching this new classification system through five official texts that complete Law 80-14 on tourist accommodation. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor expressed pride in this milestone, stating, “With these new measures, we are elevating our hospitality standards to match our legendary reputation!”
The changes bring three major innovations:
Unified Star Rating System: Every type of accommodation, whether hotels, riads, hotel clubs, or kasbahs, will now use the same star rating system recognized by travellers worldwide.
Service Quality as a Key Factor: Classification will no longer be solely infrastructure-based; quality of service now plays a pivotal role. For the first time in Morocco, mystery visitors will conduct inspections to ensure the service quality matches the star rating.
New Investment Opportunities: For investors, launching “Résidences Immobilières Adossées” (RIA) creates an exciting new model, private villas attached to five-star and luxury hotels. Managed by hotels, these villas offer ultra-private luxury experiences and attract further investment into Morocco’s tourism sector.
The Ministry has published five new official orders to update the 2015 tourism lodging law, enhancing visitor experiences through clear and reliable quality indicators. The comprehensive evaluation system includes up to 800 criteria developed in collaboration with the World Tourism Organization, ensuring a thorough, holistic approach.
Significantly, Morocco has introduced regular review cycles. New establishments will be evaluated every seven years, while existing properties will be reassessed every five years, replacing the previous permanent rating system and ensuring high standards are maintained consistently.
