Ancient Morocco modernizes in bid to boost tourism
Moroccan tourism is still on the increase despite the global economic slump and the country is modernizing itself for an influx of tourists from Europe as holidaymakers opt for the country over more expensive, far-flung destinations.
According to Morroconewsline.com reports, a blizzard of tourism-related developments is underway in 900 years old city of Marrakech, even in the midst of the economic recession. The construction boom comes after an ambitious plan launched by the king almost a decade ago to increase tourism by enhancing tourism infrastructure and ratcheting up promotion.
A who’s who of luxury openings in 2010 include hotels flying the Mandarin Oriental and Beachcomber flags and ultra deluxe Royal Mansour, owned by the Moroccan king. Other hotels in the pipeline include a W Marrakech a Four Seasons, a Raffles, Park Hyatt and Inter Continental. Much of the growth is along the country’s Atlantic coast, with major developments, such as the 600-acre Mazagan Beach Resort, which opened Oct. 31 south of Casablanca.
Mr. Mohammed Boussaid, tourism minister said that he is convinced that the country can profit from the current economic crisis and his comments are supported by figures released by tourism department which shows increase in tourist numbers. Overseas investors are considering making purchases in the country may be encouraged by Mr Boussaid’s comments and invest in homes in the area to potentially benefit from the steady flow of tourists.
Locals like Youssef El Alaoui, a tour guide whose family has lived in the medina of Marrakesh for seven generations said that modernizations of cities is doing good to property market in the country. “They’re doing magic here. It will be magnificent,” El Alaoui says. “Marrakesh is losing its heart in one way: It’s busier. There are too many cars. Still, these beautiful houses are being given another chance, and that helps save the city.”
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