Video of a Chinese Tourist Showcasing the Swift Response and Seriousness of the Moroccan Tourist Police Garners Millions of Views in China
ALDAR/
In an incident that gained widespread attention on Chinese social media, a Chinese tourist found himself in a difficult situation in Casablanca after a misunderstanding with a ride-hailing driver over the fare.
What nearly turned into a serious crisis highlighted the crucial role played by Moroccan law enforcement, particularly the tourist police, in protecting visitors and maintaining Morocco’s reputation as a safe tourist destination.
The story began when the Chinese tourist took a small ride-hailing taxi to his destination. At the end of the trip, he handed the driver 20 dirhams, believing it was the agreed-upon fare. However, the driver refused and demanded 60 dirhams, which surprised the tourist, who had not expected such a charge. When he refused to pay the difference, the driver dropped him off at an unintended location and drove away with the tourist’s bag still in the car.
While wandering the streets looking for a solution, the tourist encountered a Moroccan citizen who offered to help and advised him to report the incident to the police. The authorities responded swiftly, immediately taking action to identify the driver and recover the tourist’s bag and his rights.
Following a brief investigation, the authorities located the driver and summoned him. A judge then gave him a choice: return the tourist’s belongings and money or face legal consequences.
The incident was captured on video by a bystander, and the footage quickly went viral on Chinese social media, garnering millions of views. The Moroccan tourist police’s swift and effective intervention received widespread praise from Chinese netizens, who saw it as a reflection of Morocco’s commitment to ensuring tourist safety.
Locally, the incident sparked debate over negative practices that could harm Morocco’s tourism reputation. Many viewed the driver’s actions as unethical, stressing the need for greater oversight of the tourism transport sector and ride-hailing drivers to prevent the exploitation of visitors.
Tourism is a cornerstone of Morocco’s economy and heavily relies on the hospitality of its citizens, particularly those working in the service sector. Incidents like this underscore the need for awareness campaigns targeting ride-hailing drivers and tourism workers to enhance service quality and ensure a positive experience for visitors.
This case reaffirms the vital role of the tourist police in safeguarding tourists and preserving Morocco’s image as a welcoming and safe destination. It also highlights the importance of fostering a culture of respect and transparency in dealings with visitors to ensure the sustainable growth of the tourism sector.
