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We are just a few days from the 28th World Travel Market (WTM) fair organized in London. Nearly 6000 exhibitors are taking part in this event seeking a share of a market of 24 million passengers per year. A big tourism gathering that will be a good opportunity for advertising Marrakech and its tourism potential. This is a message well understood since this time the Regional Council of Tourism (CRT) will be supported in its work by a team of the electronic English speaking magazine Yacout Info. Moreover, it is a British journalist in this case Mr. Colin Kilkelly who will address his peers and highlight the beauty and wonders of Marrakech.
Recognizing the importance of this meeting at this time with the financial crisis that is affecting all markets whether European or American, the CRT has left nothing to chance to correct a sharp downward tendency in the English market. 319,038 nights recorded during the first 8 months of this year against 356,895 for the same period in 2007. This corresponds to a variation of -15%.
The CRT took note of this. It has prepared DVDs, posters, flyers and brochures in English and as its deputy, Mohamed Mountassir, is very experienced professional. His task will be to present demonstrations and illustrations to support the material prepared by the CRT.
Not that Marrakech is unknown in the UK, far from it. Let us not forget that Winston Churchill was already providing positive marketing in the 40s, all be it unintentionally, with his many stays at the Mamounia Hotel where he received his famous guests amongst others Roosevelt, De Gaulle, and others in his entourage.
It was in this institution where he liked to come to relax and recharge his batteries. Where he created his paintings or wrote, the cigar in the corner of his mouth and the happiness of well-being in his eye.
So Marrakech is not alien to the British community. This is evidenced by the number of its residents here who are estimated to more than 300. Riads acting like guest houses with British owners and the Honorary British Consulate is there to look after and advice them. It is not surprising that English visitors now occupy the second place after the French in terms of arrivals and stays.
That is why the CRT is determined to redress the downward trend by making every effort, knowing that the economic and financial situation in Europe is partly responsible for decreasing the number of tourists visiting Marrakech.
This will be a difficult mission, it must be acknowledged, but with the assistance of the CRT, Yacout.Info and the ONMT in the person of the very dynamic Mr. Ali El Kasmi, will help to turn the tide and increase the number of English visitors to Marrakech.
Luck sometimes brings good things and following the closure of the WTM, the International Film Festival of Marrakech will open. It will highlight the famous English film industry as the star of its 8th edition, reserving for it a solemn tribute. A delegation composed of English actors and filmmakers is expected in Marrakech which will be called to welcome stars of the calibre of Alexander Siddig, Andy Serkis (nominated for the Golden Globe), Christopher Lee (who played Dracula in 1958) , Charles Dance, Gurinder Chadha, Camilla Rutherford, Antonia Bird ... Nothing but the very best of British films.
No doubt these distinguished actors and producers will tell their compatriots about the quality of life in Marrakech, its legendary hospitality and especially the beauty of its gardens and the Atlas mountains, a beauty that reflects the stability and security which ensures that foreign residents and local population live in unison.
Recognizing the importance of this meeting at this time with the financial crisis that is affecting all markets whether European or American, the CRT has left nothing to chance to correct a sharp downward tendency in the English market. 319,038 nights recorded during the first 8 months of this year against 356,895 for the same period in 2007. This corresponds to a variation of -15%.
The CRT took note of this. It has prepared DVDs, posters, flyers and brochures in English and as its deputy, Mohamed Mountassir, is very experienced professional. His task will be to present demonstrations and illustrations to support the material prepared by the CRT.
Not that Marrakech is unknown in the UK, far from it. Let us not forget that Winston Churchill was already providing positive marketing in the 40s, all be it unintentionally, with his many stays at the Mamounia Hotel where he received his famous guests amongst others Roosevelt, De Gaulle, and others in his entourage.
It was in this institution where he liked to come to relax and recharge his batteries. Where he created his paintings or wrote, the cigar in the corner of his mouth and the happiness of well-being in his eye.
So Marrakech is not alien to the British community. This is evidenced by the number of its residents here who are estimated to more than 300. Riads acting like guest houses with British owners and the Honorary British Consulate is there to look after and advice them. It is not surprising that English visitors now occupy the second place after the French in terms of arrivals and stays.
That is why the CRT is determined to redress the downward trend by making every effort, knowing that the economic and financial situation in Europe is partly responsible for decreasing the number of tourists visiting Marrakech.
This will be a difficult mission, it must be acknowledged, but with the assistance of the CRT, Yacout.Info and the ONMT in the person of the very dynamic Mr. Ali El Kasmi, will help to turn the tide and increase the number of English visitors to Marrakech.
Luck sometimes brings good things and following the closure of the WTM, the International Film Festival of Marrakech will open. It will highlight the famous English film industry as the star of its 8th edition, reserving for it a solemn tribute. A delegation composed of English actors and filmmakers is expected in Marrakech which will be called to welcome stars of the calibre of Alexander Siddig, Andy Serkis (nominated for the Golden Globe), Christopher Lee (who played Dracula in 1958) , Charles Dance, Gurinder Chadha, Camilla Rutherford, Antonia Bird ... Nothing but the very best of British films.
No doubt these distinguished actors and producers will tell their compatriots about the quality of life in Marrakech, its legendary hospitality and especially the beauty of its gardens and the Atlas mountains, a beauty that reflects the stability and security which ensures that foreign residents and local population live in unison.
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