Hamid Bentahar President of Marrakech CRT: ready for the upturn

Yacout Info met Hamid Bentahar on the Moroccan stand at WTM.

Yacout Info: How is Marrakech's tourism arrivals bearing up?
Hamid Bentahar: We are doing well and I think the worst of the down turn is behind us. We are ready for the recovery and whereas Marrakech used to have only one 5 star luxury hotel, before very long we will have ten. We are concentrating on developing the luxury market segment because this is the future for Marrakech.

Q: Many countries are still suffering the effects of the crisis with high unemployment, are you sure this is the right policy?

A: Definitely because the market will turn round and we must be ready for this. We have to look ahead. By building for the luxury segment of the market we are creating the new market and we are aware of what our competitors are doing worldwide and we have to attract the luxury market to Marrakech. This is a global task.

Q: Do you think the return of full service airlines with first class flying direct to Marrakech is possible?
A: This will not happen immediately but in the future it must because there will be a demand for it. Low cost airlines have their limitations although they are performing an important function at the moment.

Q: Do you think riads and guesthouses are playing an important role?
A: Yes I do, provided they fulfil government regulations regarding health and safety and registration and are careful to blend into their surroundings in the medina. The riads with established clientele who have operated successfully for a number of years observe all these requriements. They support the local economy and help to keep the Medina's character intact and introduce people to the magic of the medina. They help to preserve Marrakech's character and all restorations are carried out by local craftsmen and artisans. As they deal with relatively small numbers of tourists their efforts do not clash with the development of luxury hotels.

Q; Riads have been highly successful in using the internet to attract clients through their websites, do you think hotel owners have any lessons to learn from this?
A: Marrakech is the most advanced tourism location in Morocco in terms of its use of the internet. One can always improve one's marketing. Marrakech is established as a premier international tourism destination and we must build on our success.