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Rabat – In a landmark move to position Essaouira as a premier tourism destination, Morocco’s Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, oversaw signing a strategic agreement on Thursday to revitalize the Mogador tourism station.
Backed by an ambitious investment of MAD 2.3 billion ($224 million), the initiative signals a crucial step in cementing tourism as a vital driver of Morocco’s socio-economic development.
The signing event brought together a distinguished group of officials, including Minister of Economy and Finance Nadia Fettah, Minister of Tourism Fatim Zahra Ammor, Minister of Energy Transition Leila Benali, and Minister Delegate for Investment Karim Zidane.
Essaouira governor Adil El Maliki, SMIT Director General Imad Barrakad, municipal council president Tarik Othmani, and representatives from the banking sector were also present, alongside other key stakeholders.
The agreement, endorsed by a consortium of prominent Middle Eastern investors—including Samih Sawiris, Hussain Al Nowais, and Hossam El Shaer—demonstrates a unified commitment to enhancing Essaouira’s international allure. These investors have pledged to finance 50% of the project by 2030.
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This initiative aims to increase Essaouira’s accommodation capacity by 3,700 beds, a 35% expansion, while creating 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, noting its potential to drive local and national economic growth.
Key developments include the expansion of the Sofitel Mogador, the construction of three beachfront hotels, a Club Med resort, a beach club, a leisure village, and a golf course. This varied offering is set to position Essaouira as a top destination for cultural tourism and watersports.
During the ceremony, Akhannouch discussed the transformative potential of the Mogador project, describing it as part of King Mohammed VI’s vision to establish Morocco’s Atlantic coastline as a hub for international collaboration and economic growth. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving investments that create jobs, build value chains, and align with Morocco’s long-term development plans.
Renowned for its UNESCO-listed heritage and arts scene, Essaouira is set to gain greater international recognition through this initiative. The Mogador project combines cultural preservation with economic ambition, positioning the city as central to Morocco’s global tourism strategy.
Morocco’s tourism sector is seeing an impressive boom, with 15.9 million visitors recorded by the end of November 2024. This represents a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with 2.6 million additional tourists visiting the country.
These figures reflect Morocco’s growing status as a leading global destination, with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and unique offerings drawing increasing numbers of international visitors. The country continues to thrive as a top tourism hub, attracting people from all corners of the globe.
