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Morocco's Atlantic coast is increasingly becoming known as a world-class surfing destination - Photo: CNN
For decades, fishing was a major industry in Essaouira – the western coast of Morocco. As fish stocks dwindled, locals began shifting their focus to a more lucrative industry: surfing.
Abdullah Aitdir is one of those who successfully capitalized on this business opportunity. His father owned a grocery store in a village near Taghazout, and Aitdir transformed the store into a surfing school.
According to him, "surfing offers many benefits." In recent years, he has seen a positive trend towards a more organized industry.
“It used to be very chaotic,” Aitdir said. “Everyone was involved in surfing tourism without paying any taxes, without any regulations. However, the industry is now much more regulated.”
Morocco enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, and with its 1,800km coastline, the surfing tourism industry is generating significant profits for the country.
Come and experience for yourself why Morocco is becoming a surfing hotspot in the world.
Fishing used to play a key role in the Moroccan economy - Photo: CNN
The fishing industry has been replaced by the surfing industry in many parts of the kingdom - Photo: CNN
Windy Essaouira is the ideal location for this water sport - Photo: CNN
Many regulations have now been established at surfing destinations in Morocco - Photo: CNN
The popular surfing destination of Essaouira is also the location of the Gnaoua World Music Festival - Photo: CNN
Moroccan cavalrymen ride along the Essaouira beach at the Gnaoua World Music Festival - Photo: CNN
