NEWS
s tourism industry a boost similar to when it last hosted the event in 2005. Ian Taylor reports Essaouira
Bahia Palace SPECIAL REPORT
ortunity’
convention in 2005 and revisits this October will notice a big change, says Kilito, arguing: “Morocco has modernised since 2005 without losing its identity. Cities have been refurbished. We have many new hotel brands, more luxury brands. We developed many restaurants. “We have outstanding
infrastructure – bigger airports, three times as many highways [as in 2005] and a high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, which will be extended. There has also been lots of investment in cultural sites, in new museums and theatres.” Kilito insists: “The country
kept its identity, but modernised its infrastructure to show better what it is than before.”
O The Travel Convention 2022
O Marrekech, October 10-12
O
thetravelconvention.com
travelweekly.co.uk
Morocco aims to surpass 2019 levels by next year
Morocco reopened to international visitors in early February after closing in late November 2021 due to the Omicron variant of Covid-19. It had previously reopened in June last year. Jamal Kilito, Morocco National Tourism Office UK and
Ireland director, says: “Sales are good. We’re outperforming our expectations, so we’re happy. We plan to reach 75%-80% of pre- Covid visitor levels this year, and to do better than 2019 from 2023. “We are working with airlines to get a wider offer of flights.
The best way to increase numbers is through increased airlift, to have more airlines flying, then to have new players come in. We are ambitious in terms of growth. We would like to be among the top 10 most-desired destinations in the world.” Morocco achieved its highest-ever UK visitor numbers in 2019,
when it welcomed more than 500,000 tourists, with an additional 100,000 visits from Moroccans living in the UK. Kilito says: “If we have more airlift, there is easily potential
to achieve one million from the UK. We hope to increase all types of clients.” Package holidays make up about one-third of UK bookings, but
Kilito argues: “The post-Covid situation gives agents a strategic advantage because people are looking for more reassurance and guarantees when they travel.” He notes: “We’re wary of what is happening at airports, the war
in Ukraine and the economy. People are reducing their spending on leisure. This is a big question mark [over future visitor numbers].” However, for now, he insists: “There is big demand. Prices are comparable with 2019, despite the increase in capacity.”
find time
to explore If you are attending The Travel Convention, try to spend some time exploring Marrakech or Morocco. Jamal Kilito, UK and Ireland
director at the Morocco National Tourism Office (MNTO), says: “It would be a shame not to book extra nights – there is so much to do in Marrakech and outside the city. I would stay at least three or four extra nights. The night life in Marrakech is amazing.” He recommends a visit to
Essaouira, the port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The MNTO is offering four
excursions around Marrakech on October 10: a visit to the Medersa Ben Youssef Islamic school and mosque, and the Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace in the medina; a trip to the Majorelle Gardens and Islamic Secret Gardens; a tour of Djemaa el Fna square; and a trip to the Agafay Desert. Intrepid will also offer a series of half- and full-day excursions, including a Cycling and Gardens tour of Marrakech, a Shop and Cook as a Local tour, and a trip to the Atlas Mountains. Full details:
thetravelconvention.com
21 JULY 2022
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PICTURES: Shutterstock/byvalet, Balate Dorin, Steve Photography
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