Skift Take
Morocco is the latest destination impacted by a severe natural disaster, with tour operators needing to implement contingency plans to deal with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake.
The impact of Morocco's deadly earthquake is still being assessed as emergency services continue rescue operations. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake has claimed more than 2,000 lives, and thousands more are injured, after the natural disaster struck about 50 miles outside of Marrakesh in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco on Friday.
Intrepid Travel, one of the largest tour operators in Morocco, said it had approximately 650 customers in the country when the earthquake struck.
The tour operator said all customers currently on tours, tour leaders, and staff in Morocco are accounted for. Departures scheduled until September 12 have been canceled to allow authorities to respond to the immediate disaster.
"Safety is always Intrepid's number one priority – we're relieved to have been able to account for all our customers and believe canceling upcoming tour departures is in the best interests of local communities right now," said Zina Bencheikh, Intrepid's managing director, EMEA, based in Morocco. "Our thoughts go out to everyone in Morocco who has been affected by this disaster, and we will do everything we can, including through the Intrepid Foundation, to support communities as they rebuild."
Affected customers are being contacted and will be able