Latest news with #Fatim-ZahraAmmor
Maroc
3 days ago
- Business
- Maroc
UN to Establish 1st Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat
A financial agreement for the establishment of the 1st UN Tourism Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat was signed on Thursday in Madrid, on the sidelines of the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council. The agreement was initialed by Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor, and Secretary General of UN Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili, attended by the Kingdom's Ambassador to Spain Karima Benyaich. This marks a key step towards the effective operationalization of UN Tourism's first Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat. The agreement tackles both parties' commitments, as well as the administrative arrangements granted to the Office, in accordance with article 5 of the Headquarters Agreement inked in January 2025 between the Moroccan Government and UN Tourism. This Office will work towards supporting UN Tourism's 2030 Agenda for Africa, to turn this productive sector into a vector for development on the continent, in line with the Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, in favor of joint African action. The Thematic Office is a major step forward for tourism promotion on the continent. Building on Morocco's leadership as an African hub for tourism and innovation, it will strengthen cooperation between African states and UN Tourism, bolstering the socio-economic transformation of African tourist destinations through innovative programs. MAP: 29 mai 2025
Morocco World
3 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Rabat to Host Africa's First UN Tourism Innovation Hub
Rabat – Morocco's Minister of Tourism, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, has signed a financial agreement regarding the establishment of the first UN Tourism Thematic Office on Innovation for Africa in Rabat. The minister signed the agreement with Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UN Tourism, on Thursday on the sidelines of the 123rd session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in Madrid, Spain. The office seeks to work to support the UN Tourism 2030 Agenda for Africa, to make the sector a driver of development across the continent. Data from the UNWTO shows that arrivals across Africa recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors, noting that North Africa is recording a strong performance at the continental level. Arrivals in North Africa reached 8% higher between January and July 2023, compared to the pre-pandemic levels in 2019 Last year, Morocco achieved a milestone by welcoming 17.4 million international tourists, representing a 20% increase compared to 2023. This means that Morocco was the most- visited country in all of Africa, according to UN Tourism. 'Over the last five years, Morocco has averaged USD 3.5 billion in FDI annually across all sectors,' UN Tourism said, noting that $2.2 billion was allocated to the sector between 2014 and 2023. The website quoted UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona, stressing Morocco's regional leadership in the tourism sector. Morocco's tourism sector has become a key economic driver, contributing 7.3% to GDP by 2023. The tourism office forecasts that Morocco is prepared to continue its growth with a remarkable 35% increase in international arrivals since 2019 and $10.5 billion in tourism revenue. Tags: Africa Tourismatlas mountains tourism
Daily Mirror
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
'Underrated' country just 3 hours from UK sees huge 5.7m tourism boom
Offering swathes of soft-sand beaches, bustling markets, ubiquitous history, and stunning architecture, this often over-looked country has finally entered the tourist limelight An often-overlooked country with pristine beaches, bustling markets and stunning history is finally getting the attention it deserves. Located in North Africa, bordering both the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea - Morocco i s a true melting pot of natural beauty, culture, and tourist-based attractions. While the desert-dominated country is no hidden gem, attracting 17.4 million tourists last year, it has struggled to lure in similar amounts of holidaymakers as nearby Spain. Morocco's reputation as a 'safe' country has also been tarnished following the 2011 bomb attack which killed at least 10 foreigners. But, it seems things are quickly changing. According to reports, The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism says the country has witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals, with the country welcoming 5.7 million visitors in the first four months of 2025. Potentially reaping the benefits of rising anti-tourist sentiment in hotspots like Spain and Greece, this is a 23 per cent spike compared to the same period in 2024. "Welcoming an additional million visitors at the beginning of the year, a period traditionally considered slower, is a strong indicator for the tourism outlook for 2025," hailed Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor. The politician says the momentum is a 'direct result' of pushing Morocco as a tourist destination while 'anchoring the sector's development in a sustainable and resilient manner'. Most tourists flock to Marrakesh, the country's fourth-largest city renowned for its busy market stalls that sell everything from handbags to spices. The city is also an architectural wonder, filled with stunning mosques and the acclaimed Jardin Majorelle, which was previously owned by fashiondesigner Yves Saint Laurent. Capitalising on the 'fly and flop' market, Agadir is growing as a relaxing holiday destination on the coast. It's filled with soft golden sand beaches, cobalt waters, and family-friendly resorts. But no matter where you visit in Morocco, make sure to head out into the desert for an action-packed day driving over the dunes, or watching the stars at night. You can fly directly to several Moroccan cities, such as Ouarzazate, Essaouira, Marrakech, and Agadir from most major airports, including Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester, and London Stansted. Average flights from the UK to Marrakech take three and a half hours, with return fares in June selling for as little as £36. Accommodation in Morocco varies depending on your budget and which city you're visiting. There's a huge demand for luxury riads in hotspots like Marrakech, which tend to feature their very own private pool and square courtyard. For example, a week's stay (Monday, June 9 -16) in a four-star Riad will set you back a whopping £3,025, based on two adults sharing. However, renting out a room (instead of a whole home) can drop the price to just £31 per person, per night. Accommodation in Agadir tends to lean more towards huge hotel resorts, many of which offer all-inclusive packages. Staying at the five-star Tikida Gold Palace, which includes breakfast but isn't all-inclusive, costs £918 on the exact same dates. This hotel boasts two swimming pools, a spa and wellness centre, as well as a gym and private beach area.
Morocco World
19-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Sees Fivefold Increase in Russian Tourists for Summer 2025
Doha – Russian interest in Moroccan travel has surged dramatically for the upcoming summer season. According to analytics from travel planning service OneTwoTrip, Morocco showed the most notable increase in demand, with five times more travelers planning to visit this summer compared to 2024. Morocco now accounts for 0.5% of all foreign bookings by Russian tourists. This growth places the North African country ahead of other destinations gaining popularity among Russian travelers. Abkhazia follows with a threefold increase, representing 0.7% of bookings. Spain (9.1% of bookings), Hungary (2.3%), and Kazakhstan (2.2%) have all seen their numbers double. Other African countries are also seeing increased interest from Russian tourists. Egypt's share grew by 75%, while South Africa saw a 57% increase. European destinations like France (+75%) and Italy (+50%) are gaining popularity as well. Russian travelers are also increasingly interested in Vietnam (+45%), Uzbekistan (+44%), Armenia (+15%), and China (+11%). This unprecedented upswing in Russian tourism comes as Morocco experiences an exceptional growth in overall visitor numbers. In the first four months of 2025, Morocco welcomed 5.7 million tourists, representing a 23% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This translates to one million additional tourists in just four months. April alone saw 1.7 million arrivals, up 27% from April 2024, showing Morocco's appeal now extends beyond traditional peak seasons. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor stressed the significance of these figures: 'One million additional visitors in what is typically a quieter start to the year is a strong signal for the remainder of 2025.' She credited these results to the tourism roadmap launched by the government under King Mohammed VI's leadership. The growth builds on Morocco's record-breaking 2024, when it attracted 17.4 million tourists, surpassing Egypt to become Africa's most-visited destination. Egypt received 15.7 million visitors in 2024, setting its own record but losing the continental top spot. Morocco's tourism revenue reached $11 billion in 2024, up from $10.5 billion the year before. Morocco's 2024 numbers represent a 20% increase from 2023 and more than 33% growth compared to pre-pandemic 2019 figures, when the country hosted 13 million tourists. This remarkable leap puts Morocco two years ahead of its tourism projections. Tourism Minister Ammor has expressed ambitions to position Morocco among the top 15 global tourist destinations. Key factors driving this growth include the introduction of 120 new airline routes in 2024 and new luxury hotels from brands like Four Seasons and Nobu. Morocco has also capitalized on its national football team's success, which made history as the first African team to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022. The country now prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations from December 2025 to January 2026. By 2030, when Morocco is set to co-host the FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, the country aims to welcome 26 million tourists annually—50% more than current figures. Read also: Morocco Earns MAD 24.6 Billion from Tourism in First Three Months of 2025
Ya Biladi
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Caftan Week Marrakesh celebrates 25 years with a tribute to the Moroccan Sahara
The curtain came down on the 25th edition of Caftan Week on Saturday evening in Marrakech, with a grand fashion show celebrating the Moroccan Sahara. The event brought together 14 renowned designers and fashion enthusiasts, further cementing Morocco's status as a global reference for the caftan. Organized by Femmes du Maroc magazine, this iconic event was held under the theme «Sahara: Heritage in Couture». It transformed the Red City into the capital of Moroccan haute couture, offering a poetic journey into the spirit of the South—its dunes, traditional jewelry, and oasis-inspired fabrics. The closing show delivered a captivating spectacle, featuring unique pieces that blended modernity with Sahrawi traditions, showcasing both the priceless craftsmanship of Moroccan artisans and the creativity of designers inspired by the rich cultural heritage of the Moroccan Sahara. Speaking on the occasion, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and the Social and Solidarity Economy, emphasized that «Morocco is now a global reference for the caftan— a living heritage that contributes to the Kingdom's cultural influence worldwide». She also took the opportunity to congratulate Moroccan artisans who work tirelessly to create exceptional pieces, preserving centuries-old traditions while reimagining them for modern tastes. For her part, Ichrak Moubsit, Director of Femmes du Maroc, noted that this anniversary edition was «driven by a strong desire to promote the craftsmanship of southern Morocco and to highlight treasures that are often unknown to the broader public». In a statement to MAP, she praised «the diversity of creations presented and the designers' commitment to transmitting a precious heritage through a continuous dialogue between tradition and innovation». This 25th edition stood out with a rich program that included exhibitions of traditional Sahrawi jewelry and garments, masterclasses, networking events for fashion professionals, and a spotlight on the artisanal trades carried out by the women and men of the Moroccan Sahara. Launched in 1996, Caftan Week has grown into an international showcase of Moroccan caftan fashion—a celebration of elegance, identity, and artisanal brilliance that keeps a vibrant heritage alive and ever-evolving.
