Morocco’s candidacy to host the first African office of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the 2nd in the world, was ratified during the 24th session of the general assembly of the Organization, we learned. with the Moroccan delegation participating in this planetary conclave. The Moroccan bid was approved against a backdrop of stiff competition from four other African countries.
The choice of the city of Marrakech as the first regional office for Africa confirms the continental leadership of the Kingdom in tourism development.
The mission of the UNWTO continental office will cover the promotion of investment and tourism innovation by building on a model of South-South cooperation in the spirit of the Royal Vision for common African action.
During this General Assembly, held from November 30 to December 3 in the Spanish capital, Morocco was elected as a member of the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2021-2025 term.
These achievements are the crowning achievement of the efforts made by the Moroccan delegation, led by the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatima-Zahra Ammor, during the work of the UNWTO General Assembly. , having seen the participation of more than 500 government officials and tourism operators.
In her speech at the official opening, the Minister emphasized the importance of this unmissable event which provides a platform for discussion on recovery strategies.
She also recalled the mobilization of the Moroccan government, under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, to protect the health of Moroccan citizens and reduce the effects of the pandemic on the sectors most affected, particularly tourism.
Despite the agility and resilience that the sector has always shown, the unprecedented scale of the current crisis requires more than ever the strengthening of cooperation between the UNWTO and its Member States to restore the confidence of travelers and tourism businesses. and investors.
The Moroccan participation was marked by the consecration of the village of Sidi Kaouki (Province of Essaouira) as “Best Tourism Village 2021”. The seaside village of Sidi Kaouki was selected from over 170 applications from 75 countries. This prize made it possible to reward Morocco’s continuous efforts to build an eco-responsible destination.
Finally, several meetings between the Moroccan delegation and leading tourism operators were held on the sidelines of the General Assembly, in order to prepare for the recovery in Morocco.
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