MARRAKESH, Morocco: Despite a devastating earthquake in Morocco that killed over 2,000 people and caused fears of a tourism slump, some tourists have chosen to stay and continue their visits.

Marrakesh, a main attraction in Morocco and a key source of income from tourism, was hit by the earthquake, but this hasn't deterred some visitors. A 35-year-old tourist from Germany stated, "We're not going to let the earthquake ruin everything," as they hadn't received any major risk warnings and had decided to stick to their plans.

While the group decided to continue their visit, the earthquake has had a noticeable impact on Marrakesh. Some attractions have been damaged, with shattered tiles and cracks in buildings. The city's frenzied activity has subsided, and the economic consequences of the disaster could affect the tourism industry, which was starting to rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the earthquake has led to canceled tours and concerns about aftershocks, some tourists are choosing to stay, showing resilience and solidarity with the people of Morocco.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the resilience of both tourists and the tourism industry in the face of unexpected challenges.