It is our utmost aim to run Riad Al Massarah in a sustainable manner, mindful of our environmental, economic and social responsibilities.
We are part of the Travelife Sustainablity System sponsored by the Federation of Tour Operators and have been audited for our sustainability efforts. We currently hold a Gold Award for 2015 to 2017.
Environment
Whilst we recognise that a vital part of your stay with us is relaxation and having a high level of comfort and service, we encourage you to consider the environment in your stay with us.
In 2009 we were awarded Clef Verte environmental accreditation for our efforts on the environmental impact of our business. We were have been re-accredited every year since then. This is an on-going programme which we are proud to follow.
We have installed solar heating for hot water, and wood-burning stoves for more efficient heating. We have installed showers and taps that minimise water usage whilst giving high customer satisfaction. All of our light bulbs have been replaced with energy saving bulbs. We ask you to consider having your towels changed less frequently. And we now offer free filtered tap water for those who want to cut down on the usage of plastic water bottles.
During your stay with us we will ask you to help us achieve our objectives under the Clef Verte programme.
Some of the things we ask you to consider are no more than those you probably carry out in practice at home, for example being careful about water and electricity consumption, and we will point these out to you when you arrive at the Riad.
We have a no-smoking policy in the bedrooms and public rooms. Please only smoke on the terrace and be considerate to other guests and staff.
We are committed to exploring further ways of reducing our environmental impact through reducing wastage. We re-cycle plastic bottles, glass, paper and cardboard, as their are now facilites in the city.
How you can help us
During your stay with us we will invite you to help us achieve our aims for sustainable tourism by:
- inviting you to be respectful of local customs such as dressing appropriately. It’s as well to have something light to cover up shoulders for women. Although it is changing, a lot of locals, particularly women, do not show skin, apart from face and hands. There are tourists who go around in skimpy tops and short shorts or miniskirts. However it can create unwanted attention and is not respectful of local custom.
- avoiding overt public displays of affection between couples
- not smoking in the street during Ramadan
- not eating and drinking as you walk along the streets
- being aware of the effect of giving to beggars and particularly children inspite of the Islamic tradition of giving to charity
- supporting local charities – we support Atfalouna-Marrakech, and we have a suggested range of donations that can help them with specific projects. If you are travelling to Morocco with a half empty suitcase that you intend to fill up with purchases form the souks, please consider filling it with used childrens or adolescents clothing, particular pullovers, sweatshirts, fleeces and anything warm. Leave them with us and we will take them round to Atfalouna,
- trying to shop in co-operatives and visit environmentally aware tourist attractions.
- learning how to shop and bargain in the souks, we can give you advice if you need it.
We are happy to share with you the things we have done to put our Sustainable Tourism Policy into practice. We can send you, or you can see when you visit, our full policy document.
