Every summer, reports surface of Moroccans, whether residing in the country or visiting from abroad for vacation, encountering discrimination when trying to access services within their own nation.
This summer, the case of a Moroccan woman Imane made waves on social media, after she was allegedly rejected from a campground in Fes.
Allegedly, Imane and her husband were told, “the campsite is only for foreign visitors. It’s not for Moroccans.” Imane shared her story on TikTok, where her video amassed 2.6 million views by July 10, raising the question of whether it is legal for establishments in Morocco to deny service based solely on nationality.
Imane’s experience has sparked outrage, particularly as the incident occurred on Moroccan soil. Hespress English attempted to contact Imane for further details but did not receive a response.
The manager of D.V, where the incident allegedly took place, Hakim Ibn Salam, emphasized that “the camping ground is open to both Moroccans and foreigners.” In a statement to Hespress English, Ibn Salam denied Imane’s claims and stated intentions to pursue legal action against her for defamation in the Fes Court of First Instance.
In response to the viral video, the campground reiterated its position in a rebuttal statement on Facebook, suggesting that the video aimed to gain online views and media attention. The statement affirmed that the campground welcomes Moroccan guests, highlighting that domestic tourism remains a priority.
Hespress English independently reviewed records from March to May, confirming that Moroccans have access to the site, though their numbers were notably lower compared to foreign tourists. The campground director attributed this to cultural differences, noting that camping is more popular among foreign visitors.
Additionally, Ibn Salam noted that Imane did not file a formal complaint with the campground staff but left the premises the morning after filming the video without seeking clarification or lodging a complaint with any official.
Imane’s experience has prompted criticism from many Moroccans, with several individuals sharing similar stories of discrimination at other campsites. Hassan from Marrakech recounted facing similar treatment while planning a trip to Mount Toubkal before COVID-19, where he claimed language played a role in his access to accommodations.
Rabie from Italy also alleged being turned away from a campground in Casablanca two decades ago, citing a similar justification.
Abdellah Lmniai, the Regional Tourism Delegate for Fes-Meknes, stated that his office has not received formal complaints about access denials at regional establishments. He emphasized that Moroccan law prohibits discrimination and guarantees equal rights for citizens and foreign residents under the Constitution of 2011.
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