Morocco to promote internal tourism
2007-02-11
To promote internal tourism, the government is joining forces with travel agencies to develop packages that cater to the different needs and budgets of Moroccan tourists.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 11/02/07
 [Sarah Touahri] Moroccans will be able to afford visiting many regions of the country thanks to the internal tourism promotion strategy. |
In a bid to eventually double the number of holidays spent in recognised commercial accommodation from the current level of 1.1 million per year to 2 million by 2010, Morocco plans to promote internal tourism, according to Abbas Azzouzi, chief executive officer of the Moroccan National Tourism Office.
Sociologist Jamal Choufani explains that even though Moroccans have always travelled, the majority stay with relatives or friends to avoid paying for a hotel. He believes Morocco has not yet managed to develop a full range of hotel services or tourist facilities which adequately meet people’s needs in terms of affordability and flexibility.
For that, the tourism office plans to develop products that all Moroccans can afford. Azzouzi says that his department based its plans on a survey by an international agency on the behaviour and expectations of Moroccan holiday-makers. The survey, in which 6,000 people took part, showed that 73% of domestic tourists favoured family accommodation.
Plans are under way to create packages catering to the needs of every segment --campsites, tourist residences, family holiday villages -- as well as integrated tourist zones in various regions of the country.
A theme-based promotion timetable has been drawn up taking school and national holidays into account. At the beginning of this year, the focus will be on the south, in particular Ouarzazate, Zagora, Merzouga and Errachidia. In April, destinations with significant natural potential such as Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Ifrane, Fes and Meknes will be promoted to Moroccans.
The strategy is based primarily on "Kounouz Biladi" (The Treasures of my Country) -- a plan involving the creation of eight different tourist zones in major national tourist destinations and offering competitive prices. Partnership contracts have been signed with three travel agencies to implement the plans and promotional campaigns are planned to take place before the launch of each of the three initiatives.
The offers run from as little as 1,250 dirhams for a two-night stay in a 3-star hotel in Essaouira to a week in a 4-star hotel in Agadir for 2,925 dirhams. Weekend deals are also offered for Ouarzazate and Zagora with packages catering to different budgets.
Jamal Meftah, a teacher, welcomes the initiative. He says he will now be able to take his family of five on holiday. "I can’t afford to stay in hotels. With the offers now available in tourist accommodation, I’ll be able to have some nice holidays with my wife and children."
This view is shared by a large number of Moroccan families who believe they will now have the opportunity to explore their country. Hicham Chamali, a banker, says that the special offers will enable him to explore a variety of regions of the country.
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Anonymous Posted 2007-02-11
in the third para you are talking about tunisians ,I THINK IT SHOULD BE MOROCCANS
لبنى .فا تي Posted 2007-02-12
I loved the article very much!
nina Posted 2007-02-12
We focus too much on foreigners instead of our own compatriots. Groups comings from Europe of fully-paid fares, spend no more than 500MAD on handcrafts and souvenirs, while Moroccans visiting other regions of the ccountry pay full price for accomodations, transportation, entertainement and food. We should encourage Moroccans to visit more regions of Morocco that are off the beaten path too...how many Moroccans out of the total travelers have been to Merzouga or Chaouen, Errachidia or Taroudants? those are spots highly appreciated by foreigners...and who says foreigners, says also bad habits and more (drugs, evangelists and christians missionaries....)
Bouchra Posted 2007-02-15
Please give more details about the three travel agencies concerned, with their addresses.
ara3di Posted 2007-02-16
In 2006, internal tourism recorded 2,956,100 nights in hotels, after the French (????). Those who pretend to know how to manage the tourist industry cant even speak the language of the country. How can they assess its development? Internal tourism spends more and pays more than foreign tourism and takes part in fair trade. Comments…
faux Posted 2007-02-16
Concerning the theme calendar, summer has not been mentioned. Moroccans deserve the cold in the south, they thought a lot about them. During Spring, they will be in the north. I wonder if the famous philosopher ever lived in Morocco or studied there. Does he know this country? I guess not, and his origins are not far from those who pretend they can evolve on the spot. Let him be a bit more patriotic and not put forward irealistic results. BesI. Denis.es, i would like to know how much he billed for this.
Mariam Posted 2007-02-16
Your article was very well written, Sarah!!
bis Posted 2007-02-16
Is internal tourism commercial? In other words, can the development of one destination rely on this sole internal tourism? All researches conducted by the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) have a tendency to say no. This type of tourism focuses on 5-week stays, including August. Besides, this is the reason why designer of this new “mini-resort” opted for the promotion of foreign tourism. Moroccans only travel during summer, barely during the rest of the year. But this is not the sole reason. Studies also show that Moroccans expect more from real estate development. Traveling mainly with families, having relatively modest income, domestic tourists prefers finding accommodation in houses or apartments rather than at hotels. The designers thus have various reasons to target foreign tourism. Too bad for domestic travelers! Amale DAOUD
sfax Posted 2007-02-16
It is a pity for Moroccan travelers, but Tunisian neighbors, here are some good news: internal tourism development will allow more Tunisian holidaymakers to benefit from better conditions for those who wish to discover tourism and cultural potential in Tunisia. Although it is ranked 5th with a total of 8 percent of tourist stays in Tunisia, internal tourism remain a strategic choice for Tunisian travelers and a profitable niche for companies operating in the sector (hotels, travel agencies, services...etc). Statistics show that internal tourism keeps on increasing in Tunisia. In 2004 (ONTT figures), stays of Tunisian holidaymakers accounted for 2.822.329, from 2.809.362 in 2003, thus recording a 0.5% hike. Synthesis from Rayane, algerie-dz.com, from Audinet
kawtar Posted 2007-03-05
well i found the article interesting after i i feel more relaxed when i get the same informations from (ONMT) but what burdens me is the communication strategy used to promote national tourism and i what i mean here is the operation Kounouz Biladi. i personally hold a research in the region of Rabat and i came with amazing results the majority of my target population do not even know the product or only heard of it. why we do not see advertising on tv? please if you have any relevant information about this subject please contact me . kawtar
جاد Posted 2007-03-10
Everything is good!
مونية Posted 2007-07-22
The article is excellent, I would like to ask about some information about hotels in El Houceima.
aziz Posted 2008-04-05
Mass Resignations are occurring at the Moroccan National Office of Tourism. The climate is so unhealthy and favouritism is flagrant as there are mass resignations at Moroccan National Office of Tourism. Is it not time that our leaders react to this professional bloodbath? All the new recruits have, without exception, been spoiled in spite of them not having any major effect on the offices progress. As soon as they finish their expensive training and internships and get contacts so that they can make a profit, they resign. Ever since the resignation of the head of human resources, the brother-in-law of the former minister (an engineer in electricity and refrigeration), just after the publication of a report by the Court of Auditors, his position has remained abandoned. Ever since the Markets Director moved abroad, the management has been ensured by the Director of Marketing. The Director of Communication still signs the contracts, makes decision even though his planned resignation is just after 15 April. The Head Auditor filed his resignation at the end of April. As for the Head of Tourism, son of the former Minister of Islamic Affairs, and the Head of Reservation Platforms, they already quit on 1 April. And others will follow (Administrative and Financial Director...) Can you draw any conclusions from this??? P.S. On the other hand, they sacked the vast majority of us without cause.
Drissi Sabail Posted 2009-03-10
What the authorities are planning for domestic tourism is a welcomed and timely initiative, especially during this time of financial crisis, which is rocking the globe. It is also noteworthy that, given the disintegration of yesteryear’s family cell, the time has passed when guests would permit themselves to lodge with their close ones. Today, it is to each his own steak and morning shower. In this context, everyone is benefiting – domestic tourism as much as the Moroccan population. Meanwhile, while we wait for this to take ground, I applaud all initiatives in our general interest.
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