Last time we posted, Local Surf Maroc was in limbo. Today, we still remain in lockdown. Over the last few months we have taken the time to reflect on, not only our intentions to own a surf camp, but what we would like it to look like and how it makes guests feel. The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the tourism industry but and at Local Surf Maroc we have had to make some difficult decisions. They are decisions that we feel will allow the surf camp to move forwards in the coming months and years.
We are optimistic that Morocco will open its borders on June 10, and even if they remain closed we look forward to Morocco coming back alive within itself: shops and restaurants once again running services, even if they are limited.
With the anticipation of hosting guests domestic and international, we are committed to continuing to be welcoming and consciencetious hosts. To make sure everyone who books with us gets the most out of their holiday, as a team Local Surf Maroc has decided on a few changes.
We’ve scaled back our services. We have reduced the number of holiday packages to half and put a hold on our retreats for now. We have made this decision with a heavy heart as we prided ourselves on offering bespoke and tailor made holiday experiences. The reduction in services will allow us to focus on what we do best until we have adjusted to the other changes we have made within Local Surf Maroc. You can expect the same high value and standard of service we have provided over the last few years.
Updated Terms and Conditions. At Local Surf Maroc, we have updated our Terms and Conditions. We have tried to plan for everything, and while it is difficult to plan for the unplannable, we kept flexibility for our guests in mind. There are options for deposits, rebooking, and cancellations but check out the T&C’s page to have a thourough read through all the details.
Small groups. Our groups have always been small, having a ration of 8 students to 1 surf instructor. In light of the circumstances, we will reduce our group size to 5 students to 1 surf instructor to be able to better keep space between students and keep everyone safe.
4. Gift Certificates. At Local Surf Maroc, we have introducted digital gift certificates to provide even more flexibility to our guests. We will offer them until December 31, 2020 and they expire 18 months after purchase. You can buy them as a voucher for yourself or for friends and family and there are several denominations available. Check out our Latest Offers page if you’re ready to purchase one now (T&C’s still apply!)
5. Moving house. This is the most significant change we at Local Surf Maroc are undertaking. While Morocco is still in lockdown, the Board of Tourism has provided little guidance for those in hospitality so we looked to our friends in Portugal for some advice. On Portugal’s Board of Tourism page they have provided some easy to follow advice to help keep our guests safe, such as adequate spacing in communal areas, reducing the number of people in shared rooms, providing hand sanitizer stations and so forth.
Moving to the villa allows us to meet some of the recommendations set out by Portugal’s Tourism Board by having many spacious common areas, allowing us to keep 2m spacing for meals and times of relaxation. The rooms are also much bigger so guests can safely keep 2m of distance with adequate ventilation. As the villa has more rooms, those looking to book private accommodation will have more opportunity to do so. What we are losing in the homeliness of our Garden House we are making up with safety in the Moroccan Villa.
We are heartbroken to leave our cozy little Garden House in Tamraght that we worked so hard to make feel like a home away from home. The villa we have chosen as our accommodation moving forwards will not be the same, but will be home for now. After all, home is where the heart is, and we have always put our whole hearts into running our surf camp.
Our hearts are also filled with gratitude at the support we have received from previous guests, along with future guests who have had to hold back on their travel plans due to various lockdowns. We are optimistic that on June 10 the Moroccan government will ease lockdown and travel restrictions so that we are able to welcome you to our new home and show you what a surfing holiday in Morocco has to offer.
Inshallah.