Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor said in an interview with Hespress AR that Morocco has launched plans to promote Morocco as a tourism destination with the goal of welcoming 26 million tourists by 2030.
During her conversation with Hespress Ammor, mentioned that the strategic plan for the tourism sectors for the years 2023-2026 was designed with an approach based on a touristic offer that focuses on visitor experiences; in simple terms, travelers seek out experiences they are passionate about and then search for destinations where they can live those experiences.
Shedding on the roadmap in this regard, the speaker pointed out that it is based on 9 thematic chains and 5 horizontal chains, which will be promoted to enable tourists to experience what they offer.
To ensure execution, the minister emphasized the implementation of ” drivers” related to improving air connectivity and investments not only in touristic lodging but also in entertainment facilities.
She acknowledged the challenges facing Morocco in this regard and highlighted efforts to address them as well as investments in developing human resources since tourism heavily relies on skilled staff with the goal of reaching 26 million tourists by 2030.
As an initial phase of the roadmap, the kingdom is keen on attracting up to 17.5 million tourists by 2026 leading to the creation of 200,000 jobs.
“We are currently signing contracts with various entities in the kingdom. So far, five contracts have been signed, and others are still in the signing process. Additionally, we are working on regional programs outlined in the roadmap regarding enhancing regional potentials.”
When asked about including Moroccan expatriates in tourism statistics, the government official said that” their spending is typically higher than that of foreign tourists, contributing to the national economy in various ways even if it doesn’t necessarily boost accommodation facilities, and that their stay is longer than foreign tourists.”
She confirmed that this practice of including them in tourism statistics has been ongoing since 2004.
The minister overseeing one of the country’s most important economic sectors also emphasized the importance of The 2030 World Cup in Morocco pointing out that such events are a golden opportunity that can provide valuable opportunities to enhance Morocco’s global presence, especially in tourism.”
“And we have set the organizing date (2030) as an absolute deadline, which requires us to be fully prepared. Today, our main focus is the accommodation capacity that we have begun working on with the World Cup organizing committee, similar to our work with entities to increase tourist accommodations, especially in cities hosting the matches.”
When discussing the internal tourism expenses rise in Morocco that led to Moroccans choosing foreign destinations, the official acknowledged the issue and stated that costs may appear higher during peak seasons such as holidays, and summer due to supply and demand imbalances.
She added, “Offer in Morocco is a little low compared to demand in Morocco, this becomes very clear in the summer, when the desire to go to the same destinations and the same beaches increases.”
“When official authorities complete their studies and compare prices practiced nationally with those in other countries such as Portugal or Turkey, etc., we find that prices are lower in Morocco.”
“There is monitoring of hotel prices (although they are not unified), and there is awareness to keep them accessible; however, they are governed and subject to a global trend: supply and demand.” She added, “Hotel owners do not guess and set prices arbitrarily, but there are standards based on occupancy rates in the hotel establishment.”
The Minister also highlighted, “There is work underway within the roadmap to promote domestic tourism, which is of great importance,” explaining that “two series have been designated: the beach series and the natural tourism series. The goal is for domestic tourism to be year-round and not just seasonal.”
“We are trying to create specialized destinations; for example, specialized tourism offerings in desert and oasis tourism like Draa-Tafilalet, and also specialized destinations in outdoor tourism such as the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region.”
Fatim-Zahra Ammor emphasized, “The focus of our efforts will not remain centralized only on Marrakech or Agadir; this is the goal,” emphasizing that “we will create accommodation options that are more suitable for the needs of Moroccan tourists, and we will create offerings that suit them because we know they want to travel with their families… Today, not everyone can book, for example, a hotel room for their family.”
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