Local Travel Spaces: Riads, Gueras and Local Places as New Vectors of Global Tourism
With the growing popularity of unique and authentic ways to travel, more and more travelers are turning to local travel spaces. These spaces, such as riads in Morocco and gers in Mongolia, offer not only comfort but also a deep immersion in the culture and traditions of the region. According to the Statistics Report of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the total number of international tourists in 2022 was about 1.5 billion people, and an increasing number of them are choosing alternative forms of accommodation.
What are riads and gers?
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses, usually around a courtyard, offering holidaymakers the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of oriental architecture. Guers, on the other hand, are portable homes of the nomadic people of Mongolia, made of felt and wood. These local travel spaces offer travelers a unique experience that is hard to find in standard hotels.
Some key characteristics of these spaces are:
- Authenticity: Travelers can experience real cultural heritage.
- Openness to local traditions: Guests are offered local cuisine, activities and cultural events.
- Sustainable Development: Supporting local economies and neutralizing carbon footprints.
The evolution of the tourist experience
Traveling with the use of local travel spaces are changing the way people travel. The demand for “authentic” cultural experiences is growing each year, leading to an increase in the overall number of such offerings. According to academic research, 70% of tourists would rather stay in unique places than in traditional hotels.
Riads provide this opportunity through:
- Elements of Moroccan culture such as traditional cuisine and handicrafts;
- Interacting with local residents and participating in celebrations;
- Accommodation in unique architectural structures.
On the other hand, the Gers also promote cultural exchange. Guests are offered:
- Spend a night under the stars in the open air;
- To study local traditions of cattle breeding;
- Take part in traditional rituals.
Why choose local spaces?
Choosing a riad or ger as a place to stay offers many advantages: from cultural immersion to the possibility of supporting local economies. Among the advantages are:
- Affordable prices: Accommodation in riads and gers is often cheaper than in large hotel chains.
- Opportunity to make acquaintances: The hospitable owners will be happy to share their knowledge of the culture.
- Unique experiences: Each place has its own history, which makes each trip truly unique.
Taking these factors into account, it becomes obvious that local travel spaces greatly enrich the tourist experience, and their popularity is only set to grow. Learn more about Moroccan riads or heros and their role in Mongolia to understand why such accommodation is becoming an increasingly popular choice among travelers.
