Souss-Massa establishes new sustainable tourism certification model
The Souss-Massa region has launched a sustainable tourism certification program, the first regional labeling initiative of its kind in Morocco. This pilot project, supported by SDR SMART Tourisme and funded by the World Bank's PROBLUE program, aims to align the regional tourism sector with international standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, addressing issues like water management and energy efficiency. The program uses specific evaluation frameworks for seven tourism sectors: accommodation, catering, travel agencies, transport, guides, and entertainment and leisure. Initial field visits, led by consultants James MacGregor and Chakib Lahlou, assessed 67 establishments. A team of 14 expert evaluators from SDR SMART Tourisme and Centaure Innovation conducted these assessments. Following deliberations by the technical committee, 55 establishments received the "Sustainable Tourism Souss Massa" label. The certification has two levels: "2 Leaves: Excellence" for scores between 70 and 100 points, indicating strong integration of sustainable practices, and "1 Leaf: Commitment" for scores between 40 and 69 points, recognizing establishments committed to progress. Establishments scoring below 40 points are included in a mandatory improvement plan and receive technical support before re-evaluation within a year. The program's governance involves several institutional stakeholders, including the Wilaya of the Souss-Massa region, the Ministry of Economy and Financ