Intrepid Travel to resume tours to Morocco

Operator had cancelled trips to the destination scheduled up until 13 September 

Following the devastating earthquake in Morocco on 8 September 2023, adventure tour operator Intrepid hopes aims to resume some tours to the country later this week, albeit with altered itineraries.

The tour operator, which has already instigated an emergency appeal to help communities in the destination, had cancelled all tours departing up to 13 September 2023.

Amended itineraries will avoid areas most affected by the earthquake, including the Atlas Mountains, the quake’s epicentre, and reduce time in Marrakech and miss out the Medina, but operate as normal to other parts of the country that were unaffected.

However, clients who have booked trips between 13 and 17 September and no longer want to travel have the option to cancel and receive credit towards a future trip.

A spokeswoman said: “While we’re confident to run trips in Morocco starting on from 14 September, with some amendments in place, we understand that some people may want to reassess their immediate travel plans following the recent earthquake. Our top priority is the safety of all our travellers and staff, and we will continue to reassess and respond to the situation, should it evolve.”

GET YOUR FREE TRAVEL & TOURISM INSIGHT REPORT PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH DELOITTE

Intrepid has 604 customers on tours in Morocco currently, and 77 staff. The company said staff had worked through the night to ensure all its customers, tour leaders and staff were safe and accounted for following the earthquake.

Tour leaders are now working with each tour group individually to advise on the next steps, based on the best and safest options. 

The ‘vast majority’ of customers have chosen to continue their trips, the operator said.

Lucy Huxely, editor-in-chief of Connecting Travel's sister title Travel Weekly, interviewed Intrepid's CEO to find out more.