Putting the Associative Actor to the test in Tourism: Comparative Study of two Rural Communes, Asrir in the Province of Guelmim and Tighdouine within the Western High Atlas of Marrakech- Kingdom of Morocco

Abstract

We seek to justify the importance of the association’s internal and external organization and the territory dynamics in the new development challenges for tourism promotion. The study field is made up of two sites: the Southern Oasis Tourist Association in the rural commune of Asir-Guelmim and six associations in the rural commune of Tighdouine-Province of Tahnaoute-Al Haouz, Marrakech. The qualitative analysis of the comments collected from interviewed actors involving the members of the associations and local institutional actors aims to understand more the aspects of the internal and external management of the targeted associations. Apart from their divergent experiences and territories, this article emphasizes the importance of management carried out by the association.