The Association of Specialist Tour Operators (Aito) has reported that all its members’ clients and staff are safe following the devastating earthquake in Morocco.
Aito executive director Martyn Sumners said the earthquake was another example where specialist tour operators had “rallied round” to help each other and those in need.
Among its members’ businesses which operate in Morocco are Kirker Holidays, Discover Limited and Nomadic Tours.
Sumners said: “The recent earthquake in Morocco is yet another instance where specialist tour operators have rallied round to help and support both each other and those in in need, be they clients, staff or locals.
“It has been challenging, with all forms of infrastructure and communication being disrupted. It is terribly tragic that so many have lost their lives, and the death toll is likely, unfortunately, to increase over the next week or so.
“At present, Aito members are reporting that all clients are safe and unharmed. Our thoughts are with all of those affected.”
Kirker reported it has several clients travelling to Morocco later this month but to date none has cancelled. It is not charging amendment fees for those who wish to change their holiday.
The company said: “We have spoken to them all – at this stage no one is inclined to cancel, but we will be working with them to make the right decision in the coming days.
“For some clients it will be the right thing to do to continue to travel as planned and to show solidarity, as well as supporting the local economy.
“For others, particularly those who are older or were planning to spend time in the Atlas Mountains, they will prefer to amend or postpone their holiday until a later date, and we will help to make this happen.”
The operator said it also planned to support relief efforts in Morocco.
Discover Limited, which has operated trips to Morocco since 1978, has a property close to the epicentre of the earthquake. Kasbah du Toubkal in Imlil in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains suffered some damage but all staff and guests are unhurt and have now left. It is closed until further notice.
Company directors and brothers Mike and Chris McHugo were both at the Kasbah, which they own, when the earthquake struck on September 8.
On the operator’s website, Mike said: “The earthquake that hit Morocco is a major national disaster and our thoughts go out to the many who have lost friends and family.
“There is no electricity, phone or internet and the road to Imlil is currently closed but there is hope this will reopen on Sunday. We currently have very limited telecommunications with Imlil.”
The McHugo brothers work with villagers in the Atlas Mountains to provide education for girls in rural communities in Morocco through the organisation they founded, Education for All Morocco. In 2019, Mike McHugo received an MBE from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in recognition of the work to help young women in Morocco.
Nomadic Thoughts managing director Mark Stallwood said the company was “very grateful” that all its guides, families, hotel staff, and suppliers were safe.
The company, which is supporting the British Red Cross’ Morocco Earthquake Appeal, said it would continue its tour programme.
In a statement sent out to clients, he said: “Diana [Stallwood] and I founded Nomadic over 26 years ago and together with our team, owe so much to this beautiful country and its people.
“We understand you may be worried, and we want to reassure you that tours can go ahead as planned.
“Our guides are continuously in touch after assessing each location we visit. All the hotels we use and roads we take are clear of damage and safe to use. We are monitoring this all the time and will update you should anything change.”