destination reports: morocco: Attractions
Attractions
Morocco’s tourism product offers a diversity not found in many other destinations.
“Morocco offers snow, sand, mountain and desert. That’s the difference with other meeting destinations. You can combine many things. There are spas, wellness, luxury hotels and resorts, riads (traditional courtyard houses) and other types of lodging - that is an advantage over other destinations,” says Mohammed Sofi, administration manager, MNTO.
Each of its main tourism and business hubs offers a different take on life in Morocco.
Rabat is the capital and the seat of government, as well as being the country’s second largest city. Most foreign embassies are based there.
Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco. Famous the world over for the Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman movie, the ‘White City’ as Casablanca is known, is one of the most sophisticated destinations in Morocco. Traditional character collides with more modern architectural influences as the old medina sits side by side with art deco houses and the glass towers of the business district.
Casablanca is also the economic capital. It has the main international airport, with the most international connections. A total of 60 percent of all Morocco’s business activity is conducted in Casablanca. “We are seeing more requests for the city,” says Abdelkader Chattabi, managing director of MTM Travel in Casablanca. “New structures are being developed, including hotels and restaurants. The area is being refurbished to encourage tourism, and a marina is under construction.”
Casablanca is also home to the third largest mosque in the world – the Hassan II mosque. Opened in 1993, it can accommodate 100,000 worshippers. The theology complex also boasts the highest minaret in the world and, according to Chattabi from MTM, is a “major tourism attraction.”
The ‘Red City’ of Marrakesh, so named because of its sandy coloured buildings, is Morocco’s most popular, and most photographed, tourism destination. No self-respecting traveller can pass through this city without visiting the Jemmâ El-Fna market square – the largest square in Africa and a hive of activity located in the heart of Marrakesh’s vibrant medina.
“We are trying to attract the Middle East market with good programmes then the clients will come. Increased air links will help achieve this,” says Souad Zizi, commercial director of ALM, a travel agency in Marrakesh specialising in incentive groups and FITs.
“2009 saw more incentives for Marrakesh because it offers many possibilities at very good prices, as well as a selection of good hotels such as La Mamounia, Sofitel and Palais Riad Batoul. Incentive groups can include excursions in the desert or trips up the Atlas mountains with overnight stay,” he adds.
Essaid Faiq, managing director of Exclusively Morocco, a Marrakesh-based DMC, also believes Marrakesh has a lot to offer. “New hotels and new venues all help us to be creative. Even with the current economic climate, Morocco is one of the least affected destinations. In fact, average stay has increased,” he says.
“Most popular are meetings combined with incentives. You have to mix it up a bit to build the excitement and justify the trip, so we offer informal meetings which are more relaxed. The feedback has been very positive.”
Tangiers, a stone’s throw from Spain, offers a modern and luxurious coastal resort, while Fez, in contrast, is known as a ‘living museum’ thanks to its well preserved mediaeval monuments.
