Health risks, governance and changes in ecotourism paradigms during Covid19 pandemic, case study of Essaouira Province in Morocco

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted ecotourism, particularly in natural and rural spaces like the Medina of Essaouira (Morocco), where tourism plays a vital role in economic dynamics, local development, and biodiversity conservation. The study highlights that the rebound of ecotourism will require profound changes in travel design and service delivery, emphasizing sustainability, health, and regulatory measures to manage future risks. A key finding is the increased sensitivity to epidemiological risks and vector-borne diseases, with tourists potentially acting as pathogen transmission factors due to their mobility. New procedures are needed to control traveler behavior and interactions with wildlife, while the slowdown in demand may hinder ecotourism development. The research underscores the need for health-friendly tourism paradigms to mitigate these challenges.

Boukherouk, M., Cherkaoui, S. I., & El Filali, A. (2022). Health risks, governance and changes in ecotourism paradigms during Covid19 pandemic, case study of Essaouira Province in Morocco. E3S Web of Conferences, 337, 1004. https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202233701004