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Rabat – The inaugural edition of the “Morocco Tourism Awards” was held on Tuesday night at the Fairmont-Sale La Marina hotel in Rabat. The ceremony honored the best contributors to the country’s tourism sector in 2023.
Organized by the specialized media outlet “Tourisma Post,” in collaboration with several media partners, the awards recognize the dynamism, creativity, and dedication of individuals and institutions that have significantly enhanced Morocco’s global and domestic tourism reputation.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
The “Morocco Tourism Awards” aim to bolster the momentum of the Moroccan tourism sector, especially given its exceptional accomplishments and inspirational moments in 2023.
Morocco Tourism Awards
This was a year of resurgence marked by exceptional results, driven by committed individuals in the tourism industry.
The robust performance in 2023 is indicative of the positive trajectory of a sector crucial to the country, providing approximately 2.5 million direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Notably, Morocco’s tourism revenues surged to MAD 97.4 billion ($9.8 billion) by the end of November, reflecting a remarkable 15.8% increase compared to the previous year.
The country welcomed 13.2 million tourists, showcasing an impressive recovery from the challenges faced in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in September.
Morocco Tourism Awards
In a recent feature on its “Travel” segment, CNN spotlighted Morocco as one of the top 24 must-visit destinations for 2024.
Despite facing adversity, Morocco has demonstrated resilience and determination, capturing the attention of global travelers with its diverse landscapes and remarkable architecture.
“Morocco is proving to be a world leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, with the launch of various initiatives to boost its renewable energy generation,” acknowledged CNN, highlighting the nation’s commitment to environmentally conscious travel.
Moreover, Morocco secured its place among the top seven African countries to visit in 2024, according to a prestigious ranking by Lifestyle Capital.
Morocco Tourism Awards
This recognition positions Morocco alongside other African destinations, from the captivating wildlife of Kenya to the historical allure of its ancient medinas.
Morocco Tourism Awards: Recognizing Excellence Across the Sector
The “Morocco Tourism Awards” distinguish themselves by honoring all facets of the industry, including hoteliers, tour operators, restaurateurs, guides, and popular destinations.
The selection of nominees involved votes primarily cast by journalists and media executives from national outlets, a deliberate choice by the organizers to ensure impartiality and a critical perspective on the sector.
Morocco Tourism Awards
Ahlam Jebbar, founder of “Tourisma Post”, emphasized the importance of neutrality in her opening speech, saying: “The great difficulty of an awards meeting is to have the neutrality and autonomy necessary to be able to make the right choices.”
Omar Kabbaj, CEO of Hayat Agency Residence and recipient of the honorary award, expressed his gratitude, underlining the essence of love and human relationships in the tourism industry.
He emphasized the need to establish genuine ties in hotels and stressed the importance of authentic interactions. “The Moroccan has the human relationship in his blood and as far as the development of our services is concerned, the human relationship is very important,” Kabbaj said.
Morocco Tourism Awards
Andre Azoulay, Advisor to King Mohammed VI, keenly spoke of Morocco’s journey through adversity, expressing pride in the nation’s ability to narrate its story to the world.
“Morocco does not forget, Morocco moves forward, and Morocco resists,” he proclaimed, emphasizing the pleasure Moroccans take in sharing their history with the world, especially when others may forget.
The royal advisor further reflected on the rich cultural values that transcend borders, religion, and passports, underscoring Morocco’s unique message of unity and resilience.
He also took a moment to reflect on the city of Essaouira’s pivotal role in shaping Morocco’s modern social landscape. Thirty-two years ago, the decision was made to revive Essaouira infusing it with values of social modernity, diversity, and wealth, he recalled.
Morocco Tourism Awards
This reinvigoration is part of Morocco’s DNA, Azoulay argued, adding that it has enabled the nation to be more cohesive, exemplary, and globally recognized than ever before.
He concluded his remarks by referencing a significant milestone achieved a month ago – the recognition of Essaouira on the world stage through the largest and oldest television show globally. This acknowledgment was a testament to Morocco’s ability to captivate and engage a global audience, he stressed.
The Hotel Group of the Year award went to Hivernage Collection, while Noury Saladinn received the Hotelier of the Year award.
Adel El Fakir, CEO of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, was elected Personality of the Year for his commitment to the sector.
Morocco Tourism Awards
The awards ceremony serves not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a testament to the continuous evolution and growth of the Moroccan tourism industry.
A bright future for Moroccan Tourism
As the “Morocco Tourism Awards” unfolded by spotlighting the outstanding contributors to the nation’s tourism success in 2023, many of the event’s speakers argued that Morocco’s travel industry is on an upward trajectory.
Hamid Bentahar, President of the National Tourism Confederation, highlighted the resilience displayed by the Moroccan hospitality sector during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent earthquake in Al Haouz.
In particular, he commended the pivotal role played by the media in showcasing the industry’s adaptability and success.
Morocco Tourism Awards
Reflecting on the outstanding results for 2023, Bentahar expressed optimism for a brighter future, especially with major events on the horizon, such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup that Morocco is preparing to organize.
The resilience, sustainability initiatives, and global recognition of the tourism sector position Morocco as a leader in the fiercely competitive world of travel and tourism, Bentahar suggested.
As Morocco continues to recover from challenges, these awards highlight the collaborative efforts of individuals and institutions that contribute significantly to the country’s reputation as a top-tier destination, captivating the hearts of travelers worldwide.
