“Mohammedia, a city of solidarity and complementary tourism” (handi-tourism) is the objective of Equibioz, an NGO working for the development of ecological and solidarity-based concepts and services. This new concept in Morocco aims to transform the city of Mohammedia so that it can welcome people with reduced mobility or dependency in better conditions. It consists of creating accessible gîtes or accessible apartments in new residences or during real estate renovations. 30 to 50 units of at least 40 m² are necessary in the first phase of the project. Adapted routes are also essential to make the stay of the tourists concerned more comfortable. Likewise, sports and leisure structures should be adapted. According to Michel Marbot of Equibioz, who is leading this project, the city of flowers should take advantage of its real estate restructuring and not miss the opportunity to create adapted roads without additional financial cost. According to this specialist in stays and leisure activities adapted for people with reduced mobility, the installation of access means for this category does not require a large budget if it is carried out from the start. The latter affirms that the urban commune, the project owner in terms of roads, has already adhered to the concept.

Indeed, the commune's construction sites launched in Mohammedia will henceforth take into consideration the needs of people in situations of dependency. “This project will not only benefit tourists, but also local residents with reduced mobility and the elderly who have increasing difficulty moving around,” explains Michel Marbot. Road development can thus make life easier for people excluded due to their health problems. Accessible housing is also important in cases of dependency or reduced mobility. Thus, the “Mohammedia Solidarity City” project aims to encourage and convince real estate developers to build intelligently and, in fact, to develop ground-floor units for the elderly or people with disabilities. These real estate units can be rented or sold later. Owners of existing villas and apartments can also join the project and adapt their residences so that they are more accessible. Professionals can accompany interested people or rather tourists with reduced mobility for daily services. According to the project initiators, if everything goes well, Mohammedia could contain the first seaside resort accessible to all, even to people with specific needs. This could represent an alternative to traditional tourism and restore the city's image internationally.

According to Michel Marbot, officials of leisure and sports clubs are also enthusiastic about the idea of this concept, which will enhance the human dimension of Mohammedia. For now, only the lower city is concerned by this project. The beach, the cliff, the port, the Kasbah, the city hotel... will thus be included in the circuit of the future seaside resort. A godsend for promoting these tourist sites.

A social economy project

This handi-tourism concept represents a social and solidarity economy project that values not only the region but also its human resources. Indeed, it will participate in job creation after the training of qualified personnel in assisting people with disabilities. Likewise, local associations could be partners by ensuring communication or managing reservations. Note that this project, tested in Mohammedia, represents a first step for a launch in other cities.