Latest news with #MoroccanNationalTourismOffice
Ya Biladi
14-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco seeks «China Ready» certification to boost tourism
In a first for a North African destination, the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) has launched the process to obtain the international China Ready certification, granted by the accredited agency CBISN, a partner of the Moroccan institution in Beijing. According to an ONMT press release, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to open up to high-potential tourist markets, confirming that Morocco «meets the standards of hospitality, communication, and services tailored to Chinese clientele»—with the goal of boosting tourist flows from the Middle Kingdom. The Chinese market is indeed «one of the most dynamic and demanding in the world», Achraf Fayda, Director General of the ONMT, emphasized that «this label is much more than a simple certification; it's a passport to a market of over 150 million traveling tourists each year, with strong purchasing power and a growing curiosity for cultural destinations». According to ONMT, obtaining the label requires a thorough audit of the destination, evaluating infrastructure, services, and tourism offerings to identify necessary adjustments. In parallel, operator training is essential. As part of this process, a China Ready workshop-seminar was held on May 7 in Rabat to raise awareness among national stakeholders about the realities of this market and to integrate them into the dynamic. «The next phase of the program involves organizing a major B2B event in Morocco, bringing together around sixty influential Chinese agencies to build strong commercial partnerships with Moroccan tourism operators», the statement adds. The following step will be the implementation of adapted services, including translating materials into Mandarin, accepting Chinese payment methods, and hiring Mandarin-speaking staff to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for Chinese travelers. With this certification, the ONMT aims to triple the number of Chinese tourists visiting Morocco by 2027, relying on strengthened partnerships with tour operators, airlines, and Chinese online booking platforms.
Morocco World
28-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Guest of Honor at China-Arab Business Conference
Rabat — Organizers have designated Morocco as the guest of honor at the high-profile gathering of the 11th China-Arab Business Conference, which kicked off today in Haikou, China. The two-day event is set to bring together over 1,000 participants, including Chinese economic operators and Moroccan entrepreneurs established in China. Organizers structured the conference around four key areas: energy transition, scientific innovation, cultural and tourism synergies, and financial cooperation. Ambassador to China Abdelkader El Ansari, representing King Mohammed VI, heads the Moroccan delegation. The team includes key players from Morocco's business landscape, with representatives from the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), and major financial institutions, Bank of Africa and Attijariwafa Bank. Morocco is displaying its assets with a national pavilion on the Haikou International Conference and Exhibition Center floor. Visitors can learn about the North African country's investment potential, tourist destinations, and cultural heritage through compelling visual and written materials. During a dedicated session, attendees will also explore investment prospects in the Hainan Free Port. After concluding remarks, participants will tour economic zones across Hainan province, including visits to the Wenchang Space Launch Center and the Yangpu Economic Development Zone. This collaboration represents the joint efforts of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Hainan provincial authorities, the League of Arab States Secretariat, and the General Union of Arab Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. Read also: AMDIE to Organize Roadshow to Promote Morocco-China Investments Since its founding in 2005, the Business Conference has evolved into a crucial platform connecting Chinese and Arab economic interests. Morocco, China growing relations The two countries have fortified their collaboration in various fields, including renewable energy, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. Both parties have always shown an intention to boost their bilateral relations. During his short but significant visit to Morocco in November of last year, the Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country is ready to strengthen its partnership with Morocco, reflecting the significance of bilateral ties between the two countries. Meanwhile, Morocco's Ambassador to China spoke earlier this year about the developing collaboration between Morocco and China. Referring to the launch of two direct connecting flights as a move that reflects their shared commitment to enhancing bilateral ties, the ambassador said that 2025 is a promising year that will mark a significant step forward in their cooperation. China's Belt and Road Initiative has opened avenues for joint projects in infrastructure, technology, and trade, strengthening Morocco's role as a gateway to Africa.
Morocco World
25-04-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONMT Announces Structural Reorganization to Boost Morocco's Tourism Appeal
Rabat — The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) announced today it is implementing a structural reorganization as part of ongoing efforts to boost Morocco's global tourism appeal. A statement from ONMT said the reorganization campaign includes the introduction of three new divisions focused on commercial, marketing, and resource support. 'With efficiency as our objective, this new organization is designed to strengthen our actions and better respond to the expectations of the global tourism market,' ONMT Director General Achraf Fayda said. He added that the new measures reflect a clear intention to streamline processes, clarify roles, and boost synergy between departments to address challenges of a rapidly evolving sector. It also aims to leverage ONMT's expertise and workforce. The tourism office has been launching a series of initiatives to promote Morocco's tourism assets, offerings, and commercial opportunities, among others. In 2024, the Moroccan tourism sector made a spectacular performance, bringing in over 17 million tourists. This exceeded the target set for 2026. By 2030, Morocco aims to attract at least 26 million visitors. The Moroccan government has pledged and committed over one billion euros in public tourism investments over the next decade. This does not count private sector funding. 'Morocco is transforming six cities hosting the 2030 World Cup, with half a billion euros allocated to each,' Fayda said earlier this month. Tags: Moroccan Tourism IndustryONMT
Morocco World
06-03-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Aims to Welcome One Million German Tourists in 2025
Rabat – Zohour Alaoui, Morocco's Ambassador to Germany, talked highly of the relationship between the two countries during a Moroccan themed gala dinner organized by the Agadir Souss-Massa Regional Tourism Council (CRT) this evening in Berlin. The event is taking place on the heels of the International Tourism Fair of Berlin (ITB), which began on March 4 and wrapped up today. Alaoui talked about tourism between Morocco and Germany as a vital part of their excellent relationship and designated it as a 'lever' that can contribute to deepening friendship and achieving the countries' highest ambitions. The diplomat said that Morocco, in line with its values of hospitality and coexistence, considers tourism as an exceptional compass for bringing people together, allowing for a better exchange of knowledge and creating deep cultural ties. 'It is this very wealth that we wish to share with our German friends. Each German tourist who visits Morocco contributes to further strengthening the bonds of friendship that unite our two countries,' she said Alaoui further commented that Morocco's participation in ITB Berlin 2025 demonstrates the country's rising interest in the German tourism market, which is already marked by a 40% influx of German tourists to Morocco in 2019. The diplomat also revealed Morocco's ambitious target of reaching one million German tourists in 2025 as part of the strategy aimed at strengthening the country's position as a tourist destination. This is especially important, given that the tourism sector has become a key driver for Morocco's economy, representing 7.2% of the gross domestic product in 2024. Different factors that contribute to the growth of the sector, the diplomat added, include Morocco's geostrategic position, its economic performance, robust development, political stability, as well its culture of openness and tolerance. All of which are reinforced by concrete government measures and stakeholder participation in the tourism sector, under the guidelines set by King Mohammed VI. The gala was attended by several renowned Moroccan personalities and tourism officials, including Director General of the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT); Achraf Fayda, President of the Agadir Souss-Massa CRT; Salah-Eddine Benhammane, the Director General of the Moroccan Society of Tourist Engineering (SMIT); Imad Barrakad, as well as the President of the National Tourism Confederation (CNT); Hamid Bentahar, among others. ITB Berlin 2025 gathered tourism professionals from over 170 countries, including Morocco, who presented their tourism offerings on an impressive 730-square-meter pavilion. Tags: Africa TourismDiplomacyGermanyMoroccan Tourism
Morocco World
12-02-2025
- Morocco World
Moroccan Tourism Office's Regional Tour Reaches Ouarzazate
Rabat – The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) continues its tour across the country's regions to boost tourism. After visiting several regions, the ONMT delegation has now arrived in Draa-Tafilalet, specifically Ouarzazate, to highlight the region's significant tourism potential. The main aim of this tour is to strengthen connections with tourism operators in the region, represented by the Regional Tourism Council (CRT) of Draa-Tafilalet, along with local authorities. ONMT said in a statement it hopes to understand the needs and challenges of the local tourism industry by engaging with local tourism actors. This visit plays an important role in shaping a regional tourism strategy and implementing actions to promote the region, it added. 'The Drâa Tafilalet region is a major asset for Moroccan tourism, appealing both to visitors seeking cultural discovery and to cinema professionals drawn by its spectacular landscapes,' detailed the statement. A major goal of this tour is to enhance the visibility of each region in the global tourism industry. ONMT aims to position Draa-Tafilalet as a top destination by showcasing its unique attractions and forming partnerships with international tour operators, booking platforms, and airlines to increase direct flights. This effort is part of a broader plan to develop tailored tourism promotion strategies for each Moroccan region. ONMT said it seeks to diversify Morocco's tourism offerings and cater to a wide range of international visitors. Following Ouarzazate, the ONMT's regional tour will continue this week in Fez, followed by the Oriental region, Dakhla, Beni Mellal, and Tangier in the coming weeks. This nationwide tourism initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between ONMT, CRTs, and local authorities. 'The ultimate goal is to implement a high-performing and sustainable strategy that will ensure the harmonious and lasting development of tourism across all regions of the Kingdom. Light In Action continues,' concluded the statement. Tags: ONMTOuarzazateTourism
