Morocco's New Hotel Inspection Initiative
The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy has announced the launch of surprise inspections in classified accommodation establishments starting in May 2026. This initiative, which is part of the broader legal framework established by law n° 80-14, aims to enhance the quality of service across approximately 2,500 hotels and similar facilities throughout the country. These inspections will be conducted by selected operators through a public tender process, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the hospitality industry.
Enhancing Service Quality Through Mystery Guests
These mystery guest visits mark a significant shift in Morocco's hotel classification system, which now incorporates real-time evaluations of service quality alongside infrastructure and equipment assessments. This reform aligns Morocco with international standards, aiming to attract 26 million tourists by 2030. Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor emphasized that these surprise inspections will ensure that tourists receive experiences that live up to the country's promises, thereby building the reputable tourism image Morocco seeks to establish by 2030 and beyond.
The inspections will cover establishments rated three stars and above, including hotels, hotel clubs, tourist residences, guesthouses, riads, and kasbahs, during both initial classifications and renewals. The classification process will consist of two complementary stages: an initial inspection by a regional committee to assess compliance with construction and equipment standards, followed by an anonymous visit from a mystery guest conducted by a specialized auditor. This second phase will comprehensively evaluate the customer experience from booking to the overall stay, including reception, dining, cleanliness, room service, fitness facilities, pools, entertainment options, and the efficiency of check-in and check-out procedures.
Evaluation criteria, detailed in the Official Bulletin, range from 235 to 387 depending on the type and category of the establishment. This comprehensive approach aims to balance quality demands with operational realities and the authenticity of the customer experience. Furthermore, the Ministry has clarified that classifications will no longer be permanent; they will be granted for an initial seven-year period, renewable every five years, with regular inspections in between. Establishments failing to meet standards will be given time to rectify any deficiencies before a final classification decision is made.
As reported by yabiladi.com.
