Rabat ranks 2nd in CNN Hot Destination for 2013

Morocco World News

New York, January 14, 2013

Morocco’s capital Rabat has been choosen second in CNN’s hot touristic destinations for 2013.

In her review for CNN Travel, Lara Brunt answers a generic question that comes to mind once a traveler decides to explore the wonders of the world: “What makes a travel destination “hot”?”

The criteria in choosing a hot destination for many travelers count in the historical legacy, economic development and major international events that “contribute to international buzz.”

In addition, effective media campaigns to promote touristic sites play a key role to attract new visitors. And not to mention the allure of pop culture that provokes international curiosity, placing this place or that destination into the highlight.

Rabat, as the capital of the kingdom has been neglected by world travelers for a long time, awing to the allures of Marrakech unique souks and traditional supermarkets, the artistic royal riads of the old medina of fez or the charm of Ouarzazate’s enchanting desert and flamboyant scenery.

It was also put on the spotlight by UNESCO’s inscription of the city in world heritage list in July 2012. Members of the international organization called the city “The product of a fertile exchange between the Arabo-Muslim past and Western modernism.”

The new city, built under the French protectorate in 1912, is considered “the largest and most ambitious modern urban projects built in Africa in the 20^th century.”

With its historical Kasbahs dating back to the 12^th century, Kasabah El Oudaya, its magnificent, artistic Hassan Mosque (1184) and the Almohad gates, Rabat possesses all necessary components for a terrific, artsy and exciting refuge for cultural inspiration, fun and recreation and shopping exploration.

The capital became more accessible thanks to its major development projects, the new tramway line that links the city with sale, its sister city, the beautiful marina overlooking the Bou Regreg river as well the Atlantic oceans, in addition to the enlargement of Rabat/ sale airport.