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Marrakech – At GITEX Africa 2025, which kicked off today, tech giants brush shoulders with fresh-faced founders and every handshake could lead to a startup, one voice stood out — calm, collected, and proudly representing the Red City.
Mountassir Boullal, Deputy Director of the Regional Tourism Council Marrakech-Safi told Morocco World News that “The Regional Tourism Council is an organization that brings together the private sector, the public sector, and elected officials, all working together to promote the destination of Marrakech and its region.”
And promote, they did. From the flashing lights of GITEX booths to conversations on digital nomads and data hubs, Marrakech wasn’t just a backdrop — it was a statement.
“CRT Marrakech also manages the brand Visit Marrakech Region, which is a well-known platform both nationally and internationally, with over 200,000 visitors per month,” Boullal stated.
“In fact, it is considered among the best tourist information platforms in the country.”
When asked about GITEX Africa, he didn’t hesitate.
“GITEX Africa is an unmissable event because of its scale,” he shared.
“Marrakech hosts many events, but having a trade fair that brings together supply and demand in an industry like tech — bringing together investors and young talents — is a major opportunity for our region for several reasons.”
He listed them with the clarity of someone who knows what he’s here for.
“First, it offers young people from this region the chance to join major groups in the fields of technology and innovation.”
He added that for them, as a tourism destination and a leader on the African continent, it’s also an opportunity to position Marrakech as a business tourism destination on a continental and even international scale.
“Third, the fact that this ecosystem comes together in Marrakech will bring a lot of stimulation to the economic fabric, helping develop entrepreneurship and the technologies of tomorrow.”
You could feel the pride when he spoke of his city — and the plan for its future.
“Marrakech is already positioning itself as a destination for digital nomads — thanks to its geographical location,” he added.
“Within three hours by plane, we’re well connected to European capitals, the African continent, the Middle East, the United States, and North America. So Marrakech has a geographical position that offers several advantages to digital nomads.”
Then he broke it down — the geographical position and having young talents in technology, artificial intelligence, and all fields.
“So any startup that sets up in Marrakech will have several opportunities to find the talent it needs,” he mentioned.
And of course, no one can talk about Marrakech without talking about joy.
“At the same time, Marrakech — the land of Lbahja and celebration — can offer these startups and investors a place for leisure, a unique international balance between work and enjoyment.”
But this wasn’t just a celebration of what Marrakech is — it was also about what it’s becoming.
“At CRT Marrakech and through the Visit Marrakech platform, we launched an innovative project with the Marrakech-Safi region, the city of Marrakech, the Mechouar-Kasbah municipality, and the CNT,” he said.
The idea is to bring together several travel experiences with cooperatives from the provinces — namely Chichaoua, Rhamna, Kalaat Sraghna, Youssoufia, Safi, Essaouira, and others — to create, promote, and distribute them on international experience platforms.
You might wonder – why this project?
It’s both innovative and highly relevant, because it will draw some of the tourist flow toward the provinces and other territories, not just Marrakech.
It will also create jobs and generate income for local communities, women and young people.
And the ambition? Nothing short of poetic.
“We have the ambition to create 1001 experiences by 2029 — and of course, to create jobs that will allow the tourists of tomorrow to not only visit sites and monuments, but also to experience our tangible and intangible heritage in the provinces and with local people.”
So when the conversation turned to the global crowd of entrepreneurs, travelers, and investors tuning in to GITEX Africa, Boullal’s invitation was simple:
“So we take this opportunity to say to all startupers, investors, and young people from around the world: come to Marrakech. Welcome to Marrakech, the land of celebration, Lbahja, joy, and constant renewal.”
