News
Sustainable Blue Tourism in Morocco: Al Hoceima National Park
May 2025
The Blue Tourism Initiative, in collaboration with its partner IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN-Med), is proud to announce the launch of its pilot project in Al Hoceima National Park, on Morocco’s northern Mediterranean coast.
Through the Blue Tourism Initiative, the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (IUCN Med), with the support of local organisations AMPESA and Blue Mediterranean League for Youth, is charting a new course for Al Hoceima’s tourism: one that strengthens local livelihoods, conserves nature, and attracts visitors year-round.
Introducing the Pilot Site
Al Hoceima National Park
Al Hoceima National Park, on Morocco’s northern Mediterranean coast, is a striking blend of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. Its landscapes hold enormous potential for ecotourism, but much of this potential remains untapped due to seasonal tourism patterns, limited market connections, and the need for stronger sustainability credentials.
The new pilot aims to change that by working with local cooperatives, small businesses, and conservation groups to create high-quality tourism experiences rooted in nature, culture, and community. Activities include:
- Establishing a local governance structure to coordinate services and strategies
- Installing light infrastructure like trails and signage
- Supporting park staff in managing summer nautical activities
- Training local guides and businesses
- Developing authentic ecotourism experiences rooted in the region’s identity
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Strengthening Governance and Local Collaboration
Building on the experience of the MEET Network, the pilot has at its heart the establishment of a Local Ecotourism Cluster, bringing together park managers, local businesses, cooperatives, NGOs, and public authorities. This collaborative platform is designed to coordinate tourism activities, share resources, and ensure that ecotourism development benefits both the protected area and surrounding communities. By aligning efforts, the cluster aims to overcome fragmented initiatives of the past and deliver a consistent, market-ready tourism offer.
Designing Year-Round Ecotourism Experiences
Al Hoceima’s pilot focuses on developing authentic, nature-based experiences that highlight the park’s unique heritage. This includes training local service providers in sustainable tourism, storytelling, and visitor management, as well as creating itineraries that combine biodiversity encounters with cultural immersion. The aim is to offer products that appeal to both domestic and international markets, particularly small group tours that value responsible travel. Press and familiarisation trips will help connect local providers with tour operators, opening the door to new market opportunities.
Enhancing Park Management and Visitor Infrastructure
The pilot also focuses on strengthening the park’s capacity to manage tourism and conserve biodiversity. This involves installing light, environmentally integrated infrastructure, alongside rehabilitating trails and access points to ensure safety, clear signage, and habitat protection. Additional support will include providing essential tools and equipment for conservation monitoring and visitor management, implementing priority actions from the park’s management plan, and introducing measures to regulate summer nautical activities to reduce ecological disturbance. Local tourism operators will be engaged in awareness programmes to foster a shared commitment to preserving the park’s natural and cultural values.