RABAT, Morocco - Wednesday, 29. January 2025 AETOSWire
(BUSINESS
WIRE) -- UN Tourism has strengthened its partnership with the Kingdom
of Morocco, a key ally in its mission to grow innovation across Africa
and boost investments into the tourism sector of the region.
In
an official visit to the Kingdom, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab
Pololikashvili celebrated its achievements in growing tourism and making
the sector a pillar of economic diversification and sustainable growth.
According to the latest UN Tourism data, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million
international tourists in 2024, a 20% increase on 2023, making it the
most-visited country in all of Africa.
Investment Guidelines for Morocco launched
To
support the further growth of tourism across the Kingdom, in Rabat, UN
Tourism officially launched “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in
Morocco”. The Guidelines – the latest in a growing portfolio of expert
publications – outline the opportunities to be found in the tourism
sector for international investors of all sizes. The Guidelines also set
out investment trends and key areas of growth, including a focus on the
Kingdom’s booming innovation ecosystem.
Supporting Moroccan tourism innovation
In
Rabat, UN Tourism welcomed private sector leaders, including from SMIT
Morocco, as well as leading entrepreneurs and small-business owners to
celebrate innovation in the Kingdom’s tourism sector. In a keynote
speech: “Global Trends on Tourism Tech and Innovation”, UN Tourism
Executive Director Natalia Bayona highlighted the accelerating digital
transformation of the sector.
Executive Director Bayona said:
“Morocco's tourism sector has become a key economic driver, contributing
7.3% to GDP by 2023. With a remarkable 35% increase in international
arrivals since 2019 and USD 10.5 billion in tourism revenue, Morocco is
prepared to continue its growth. The country's stable political climate
and strategic economic policies fortify this success."
Fatim-Zahra
Ammor, Minister of Tourism Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity
Economy, adds: "The Kingdom of Morocco's political stability, its
competitive edge, the openness of its economy, the view on innovation
and its forward thinking investment policies collectively positions the
country as a privileged destination for both national and international
investors”.
As part of the visit, an agreement was also signed to
establish the UN Tourism Thematic Office for Africa, furthering
Morocco’s role as a key partner in supporting tourism growth across the
continent.
Top Start-ups recognized
The National Tourism
Startup Competition, an initiative focused on fostering innovation in
the Moroccan tourism sector and supported by the Moroccan Agency for
Tourism Development (SMIT), has successfully concluded with the
participation of 137 aspiring startups.
Among these, five
standout enterprises were recognized for their groundbreaking
contributions. Leading the charge is Ecodome, securing first place for
its innovative approach to sustainable tourism. In a tie for second
place, ATAR and Pikala showcased exceptional potential with their unique
offerings. Taking the third spot is Wanaut, noted for its creative
solutions in enhancing travel experiences. Finally, Mouja claimed fourth
place, impressing judges with its forward-thinking strategies. This
competition highlights Morocco's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial
talent and advancing its tourism industry through strategic investments
and support.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129432995/en/
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