Giving Back

AID FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE SEPT 8 EARTHQUAKE

The earthquake that hit the Atlas Mountains south of Marrakech has been absolutely devastating to the small towns and villages dotting the mountains. Entire communities have lost everything, people have lost their entire families, and the remoteness of many of the villages has made rescue and recovery incredibly challenging. While the kingdom and many foreign governments are swiftly providing aid and supplies to these regions, we know many individuals wish to help as well. Due to strictures to prevent misuse of funds by Moroccan associations, at this time the government has restricted such associations from soliciting cash donations. All monetary donations must go through an official account, which requires sending an international wire. We are aware this is a great barrier for many in the United States, so we at Wanderlust Voyages are coordinating a way to help.

If you wish to donate monetarily to efforts, you can donate here. All funds will be utilized to purchase supplies that are most in need, with a focus on what is needed for children. As time goes on and initial needs are met, we hope to be able to continue providing support once the need is out of the international spotlight. This will include the rebuilding efforts by donations of building supplies, as well as donations of cold weather clothing for adults and children as the weather continues to cool.

We will keep this page updated with what donations are able to provide.

I’M TRAVELING TO MOROCCO - CAN I BRING ANYTHING TO DONATE?

Absolutely! As the weather is already beginning to cool, warm clothing for men, women, and children of all ages will be welcome. Aside from the usual coats/jackets, hats, and scarves, please consider the following:

  • Socks

  • Boots

  • Sweaters

  • Warm pants

  • Clothes suitable for layering

Your driver will be able to get these items to one of the local organizations that take them into the villages for distribution.

 
 

Statement from the Moroccan National Tourism Office

On Friday, September 08, 2023, Morocco was struck by an earthquake.

The Moroccan National Tourism Office offers its deep condolences to all the families of the victims, and commends the outstanding mobilization and spirit of solidarity of the people of Morocco in providing rescue and assistance to the victims.

In response to the situation, emergency measures, mandated and closely followed by His Majesty the King in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, brought together the Royal Armed Forces, local authorities, law enforcement agencies and civil protection teams, alongside the relevant ministerial departments. His Majesty the King has given His Highest Instructions to expeditiously pursue the relief efforts on the ground.

Accordingly, the Moroccan tourism ecosystem operators wish to inform their international partners of the following:

  • The epicenter was in the villages of the mountainous region of the rural commune of Ighil (150 km from Marrakech) which accounted for most of the damage and loss of human life.

  • In Marrakech, the situation is now under control and is returning to normal. The authorities pinpointed the few buildings that were damaged in the medina and have secured them.

  • The hotels, all constructed to earthquake-proof building standards, have not been affected. The professionals in charge of these hotels have managed the situation in a professional manner, responding as closely as possible to the needs of their clients.

  • Moroccan airports are all operating normally; travelers wishing to return home have been able to do so smoothly. The vast majority of flights to and from Morocco have been maintained, and most airlines have loosened the conditions for postponing or changing tickets.

  • All over the country, public places, restaurants, shops, cultural spaces, museums... are open. In summary, tourist activity is continuing unabated in all regions of the Kingdom.

Moroccan tourism professionals wish to thank their partners, who on the whole have maintained activity around the destination and have adapted to the needs of their customers wishing to postpone their trip.

The Moroccan tourism sector and all Moroccan operators are and will remain fully mobilized in these terrible times.