Since the first day of the pandemic, I felt that Covid-19 in Morocco and elsewhere would be a plague we will have to live with. It was clear from the very beginning, that the world was deeply connected and that consequently boarders did not exist.
As a result, a zero Covid strategy appears as an utopia through which our industry may well be swallowed up. Dealing with the virus has now become a necessity.
Unfortunately, Morocco has again decided otherwise…
THE IMPACT OF LOCKDOWNS
When the first lockdown was in forced, I was lying on my room’s balcony at Assouan’s Old Cataract Hotel. Transported by the soul of this mythical hotel and the breathtaking view of Elefantine Island, it took me a moment to realize what was happening.
In fact, I could not project myself into a reclusive life, where travel should be banned. At the time, I could not even imagine it would be possible that all this was actually happening.
Yet my phone’s alarm kept on reminding me, that something unusual was happening. The beeps on my iPhone were going on and on, informing me of the reservation cancellations. In two days, our booking calendar was empty.
In fact, I had just come to realize that I was now trapped in Egypt and that my return to Morocco was suspended until further notice.
After the shock, came the resilience
After spending days reading the worldwide newspapers, it was obvious no one knew how to tackle the issue. Morocco, at the time, was on a hard lockdown. I was fuming or desperate at every line I read, every sentence I heard. After a while, I decided I had to move on and try to transform that energy into something positive
At the same time, in Egypt, pragmatism quickly prevailed in the face of famine caused by the first 30 days lockdown. Consequently, life came back, more or less, to normal.
From then on, it seemed to me, that the whole world would, at some point, face the same issue. In short, life would necessarily resume a normal course sooner or later.
Anticipating new travel experiences with COVID-19 in Morocco
At that point, I stopped counting the losses and tried to transform them into opportunities. I straight away new, we will need resilience and imagination to survive the crisis. Mayfez’ first Covid-19 protocole was online and inforced from May 2020. In June 2021 we were award our safety Label by the Department of Tourism. We managed everything while working from home, as I remained stuck in Egypt for more than eighteen months.
“WELCOME SAFELY”, THE SAGETY LABEL TO TACKLE COVID-19 IN MOROCCO
When the Moroccan Department of Tourism launched the Welcome Safely, safety label beginning 2021, we were already in the starting blocks. The label was designed for large hotels and not really adapted to Riads, but I have worked on it and adapted it to our specificities. A nearly six-month work and training for the staff, that made us one of the three first Riads in Fez to be awarded the label.
Moreover, with only five suites, six living areas and overall 1800m2, social distancing was at the heart of our concept. It is not unsual that guests can enjoy the pool for themselves.
CREATING OUR OWN SIGNATURE TOURS FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY
Family trips, personal development and rural experiences are at the core of our Signature travel experiences.
Back to roots travel experiences
With the quest for serenity and the taste for simple things becoming travellers’ primary concerns, it was clear that “back to nature” would eclipse urban travel.
Consequently, our situation in the heart of the lively and crowded life of the medina of Fez was not enough anymore. I was convinced that turning to the Middle Atlas, biodiversity and rural experiences, was a must.
From then on, I aimed at building a bridge between the authenticity of the mountain villages and the spirituality and shopping experience provided by the medina of Fez.
Creating tailor made trip, off the beaten path.
Using the lockdown period, I started liaising and exchanging with various people I had met and appreciated in the past. Their activities in the Middle Atlas were totally in the pulse. Together, we planned itineraries. We selected the most enchanting places and the best tables. Ultimately, highlighting and inventing activities, off the beaten path.
Mental wellness to reconnect
We have put all our heart and expertise to design a dream vacation, without knowing exactly if it would once happen. All was ready for summertime, but then, Europe decided to make traveling abroad difficult, if not impossible…
At that point, I must confess, I was not surprised, but I felt like the world was collapsing at my feet. And looking at my staff, who were expecting me, to secure some results, I hang on, developing and creating.
And so it was while my morale was at its lowest, that I imagined our «mental wellness» program. It was achieved through teamwork, conducted jointly with friends, personal coach, psychologist, yogi and nutritionist. Although it does not come out cheep, I strongly believe it is both very innovative and result driven.
RESUMING TRAVELING WITH CODID-19 IN MOROCCO
Automne is usually one of the busiest seasons in Morocco. Two years ago, Mayfez was fully booked long time in advance. But after month without seeing anyone, I must admit we were thrilled to host a few guests in September, October and November 2021. Seeing life back in the Riad felt to me like a victory, after months of endless battle.
But the dream was short.
Mid November Morocco closed its boarders again! Boarders are still closed when I write the article. Yet, a few spring reservations are still in the pipe.
Most bookings are direct bookings, which make it easier for me to provide personalized service. It is the best way to offer quality communication to our guests.
As a traveler myself, I know how important it is to be able to communicate with someone and to be able to get refunded. I understand how cancelling, and postponing have become an important issue, even though it is not easy for a hotel manager to move on without visibility.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN MOROCCO WITH THE PANDEMIC
With the new Omicron variant, traveler were once more asked for restrain.
If you plan to go to Morocco soon, I unfortunately suggest that you put your holiday project on hold. Nevertheless, if you wish to proceed, I congratulate you on your courage.
Here, however, are some practical details.
End of winter and beginning of spring are wonderful in Morocco. I especially like to enjoy the warm sunny days and shelter from the cool of the night over a candlelight dinner next to the fireplace.
At Mayfez we are here for you and we provide our upmost to support you and offer you advice in these unprecedented times.
If your travel plans are affected by restrictions on international flights, we will cancel or postpone your booking.
I understand more than ever that this is a very difficult situation, that we need to face together and try to make the best out of it.