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Rabat – The Moroccan Tourist Engineering Society (SMIT) has unveiled a $1.7 billion plan to establish Draa Tafilalet as a leading ecotourism destination in Morocco.
Announced by SMIT President Imad Barrakad at a Development and Solidarity Council meeting in Rabat on July 17, the initiative aims to leverage the region’s unique natural and cultural assets to promote environmental sustainability and create local jobs.
The plan focuses on enhancing the region’s appeal through the “Desert & Oasis Adventure” sector.
It includes several key components. The plan covers improving air travel infrastructure to better align supply with demand, making the region more accessible.
As stated in the announcement, the plan aims to optimize investments to enhance the impact of tourism projects. This includes upgrading tourism services and infrastructure to offer a superior experience for visitors. It also focuses on improving governance and implementing professional management practices for the destination.
To oversee these efforts, a Regional Development Society (SDR) will be established, involving SMIT, the Ministry of Oversight, and the Regional Council.
This organization will oversee the implementation of public projects that are in line with local priorities. These projects will integrate tourism multiple offerings, including nature trekking and hiking as well as desert and oasis trips.
The SMIT outlines that this initiative will be supported by three main financial strategies.
First of all, an investment of MAD 515 million ($50 million) will be directed toward upgrading and expanding tourism accommodations. This includes renovating existing facilities, developing charming hotels, and creating alternative rural stays, as well as establishing a green resort in Isli and Tislite.
In addition, to boost the region’s attractiveness, MAD 732 million ($68 million) will be allocated towards improving tourism visibility through better signage and enhancing prominent sites like the Todgha and Dades Gorges and the Sijilmassa archaeological site.
Finally, MAD 429 million ($40 million) will be allocated to fund the renovation of tourist sights and experiences.
SMIT’s plan also introduces the Moukawala Siyahia mechanism, which will provide partial subsidies for targeted tourism projects up to MAD 30 million ($2.8 million), which include climbing clubs and sand therapy centers.
Smaller projects with investments under MAD 10 million ($900,000) will be supported through the Go Siyaha mechanism. High-value projects such as the Cinema Museum in Ouarzazate and other notable attractions will receive full subsidies.
SMIT is already actively involved in enhancing the region’s tourism but hopes that this $1.7 billion plan will solidify Drâa Tafilalet’s spot on Morocco’s tourism map.
