Tui has reported ‘minimal damage’ to hotels following last weekend’s Morocco earthquake.
The update issued yesterday (Thursday) by Tui UK & Ireland revealed that a specialist review had been carried out to all the hotels used by the operator in Marrakech.
The operator said: “We are aware of and deeply saddened by the devastating earthquakes which took place last week about 70km Southwest of Marrakesh.
“We’ve spent the last few days speaking with our overseas teams and valued hotel partners to understand the impact for our customers overseas and due to travel.
“We are pleased to confirm that we’ve seen minimal damage to hotels and that our customers in Morocco are continuing with their holidays.”
The company added: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our number one priority so following the earthquakes, we immediately organised for an external engineering company to review all our hotels in Marrakech.
“Whilst there are a few cracks in some hotels, they are purely cosmetic and not structural.
“Our valued hotel partners will be tackling these small number of damaged areas as soon as possible, but their first priority remains the safety and wellbeing of their staff impacted by earthquakes.
“We can confirm that there has been no change in in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice, customers remain in their hotels and flights are operating.
“We’ll closely monitor the situation and will keep customers informed of any relevant updates.”
Almost 3,000 people have been confirmed dead and more than 5,000 injured in the 6.8 magnitude quake a week ago.
Moroccan authorities have announced plans to fund the rebuilding of about 50,000 homes damaged, with residents to be given temporary shelters.
Meanwhile, Heather Wheeler MP, chair for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Morocco, called on British businesses with ties to Morocco to take swift action after the earthquake.
She said: “It is heartening to see that the Moroccan business community is helping to lead the country’s recovery from this tragic earthquake.
“This swift response is a clear example of the positive contributions private companies can provide, and I urge British companies with ties to Morocco to also play their part in vital relief efforts.
“Of course, I also welcome the UK government’s swift response and commitment to Morocco, as this reinforces our relationship with Morocco and reflects the ever-closer ties between our two Kingdoms”.