Thousands are already understood to have died following the 6.8 magnitude tremor, with many rural, mountainous areas of the country still inaccessible to rescue workers owing to the extent of the devastation.
The quake hit around 45 miles (70km) south of the popular tourist city of Marrakech, and was felt across much of the country in cities such as capital Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and the coastal resort of Essaouira.
According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 people had been affected by the disaster, including many in villages in Al Haouz province. Morocco is home to around 37 million people.
Stirred by the situation on the ground in Morocco, several travel industry-led fundraising initiatives to support earthquake relief efforts in the country are already well under way, which are seeking support from the trade and the wider travel sector.
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel has launched an appeal through its Intrepid Foundation, which will provide support for its long-term local NGO partners in Morocco – Education for All and the High Atlas Foundation.
The adventure specialist’s foundation will match donations up to £50,000 while covering its administrative costs to ensure 100% of donations to the appeal go directly to recovery and relief efforts.
“Through this relief effort, we hope to give back to the country that has given so much to our travel community,” added Intrepid Travel’s Moroccan managing director for Europe and the Middle East, Zina Bencheikh.
More information is available, including how to donate, via the Intrepid Foundation appeal’s dedicated landing page.
Charitable Travel
Charitable Travel and The Charitable Travel Fund has launched an appeal to support tourism dependent communities in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco.
Trustee Melissa Tilling said: "Our hearts and energy are now committed to the communities in Morocco dependent on tourism, working with a local NGO to provide support rescue, rehabilitation and recovery.
"The travel industry has long supported and profited from Moroccan tourism development; now please support those same people in time of need."
Details of the fundraising appeal and how to contribute are available through the group’s JustGiving page. TTG Media has donated £1,000 to Intrepid’s appeal.
Tui
The travel giant has become the latest travel company to launch an urgent appeal to support relief efforts in Morocco, announcing on Monday (11 September) it will dollar-match all donations and that profits will go to support the communities impacted.
More information on how to contribute is available through Tui Care Foundation’s donation page.
Virgin Limited Edition
The Virgin Group hotel brand has joined a number of suppliers appealing for funds to support relief efforts in Morocco.
It has already raised more than £114,000, thanks to hundreds of donations, and hopes to surpass a total of £160,420.
To find out more about the Eve Branson Foundation Relief Fund, or to contribute, visit the dedicated Global Giving page.
