Morocco is overhauling how it evaluates the quality of its tourist accommodations, rolling out a bold new system that brings mystery guests into the spotlight. Starting this summer, unannounced inspections will be carried out across the country’s hospitality sector. Undercover auditors will pose as regular guests, interacting with staff and experiencing services firsthand to assess their authenticity and consistency.
This initiative is part of a broader reform anchored in Law 80-14, officially enacted on May 27. The law introduces a unified, star-based classification system that brings all types of accommodations—hotels, riads, guesthouses, campsites, short-term rentals, and tourist residences—under the same evaluation criteria. The previous distinctions between traditional hotels and other lodging types are now eliminated. From the front desk to the cleanliness of a guest room, all establishments will be held to a common international standard.
The mystery visits are designed to evaluate a wide range of factors, including hospitality, hygiene, facility compliance, and staff responsiveness. The results won’t just be informative—they’ll directly influence an establishment’s star rating. New ratings will be granted, maintained, or adjusted based on real-life performance, rather than paperwork alone.
Crucially, properties that fail to meet the expected standards will receive formal warnings and could face sanctions if they don’t correct deficiencies within a set timeframe. This puts pressure on operators to consistently deliver quality service—not just for inspections, but year-round.
To maintain high standards over time, authorities have also introduced a mandatory rating renewal cycle: every five years for existing accommodations, and every seven years for new ones. The goal is clear—ensure that quality doesn’t erode after initial certification, and that Morocco’s tourism industry keeps pace with global expectations.
This sweeping reform signals Morocco’s intent to boost credibility in the international tourism market, build trust among travelers, and sharpen the country’s competitive edge. With global tourists more discerning than ever, Morocco is betting that accountability and transparency are the path to sustainable growth in its hospitality sector.
