Marrakech records an outstanding performance in 2010

Through their advocacy and their presence at various professional events the Tourism professionals, at all levels have contributed to this success. As well as efforts with the prices of certain travel services including hotels which have improved the competitiveness of the destination in relation to their market competitors .

Marrakech closed the year 2010 on double-digit growth. This trend, showsthe leading destination of Marrakech increasing its domestic tourism, as shown by the figures which are summarized as follows: January to December 2010

Arrivals: 1,781, 240 + 12%

Nights: 6,357, 891 +15%

Occupancy: 50% +3 Pts

CAPACITY 50.160lits +15%

AIRPORT PASSENGER 3.5 million (+10%)

The accommodation capacity has its evolution and impact on occupancy rates.

The available capacity at 31 December 2010 amounted to 50,160 beds.

This corresponds to an increase of 13% over 2009, an additional capacity of 2,450 beds over 13 new units between 3 to 5 star which will be added, in 2011, ten hotelss of national and international prestige among others:

- Mandarin Oriental: 830 beds.

- Beachcomber: 720 beds.

- Four Seasons: 280 beds. (Opening June 2011)

- Rocco Forte

- Pearl Hivernage collection Wintering (November 2011)

- Pure Hivernage collection Wintering (June 2011)

- Adams Park (Spring 2011)

Etc.. ...

The strategic choice for the successful positioning of the destination remains unchanged: "Authenticity and living culture "

The transition from a single-product destination to multi-product destination began in 2009 and is confirmed and, Marrakech could also consolidate its position in high value niche products : Family, Golf, Mice, Business, Wellness etc. . ... Marrakech is now able to offer these different customer segments, products in line with their expectations.

With a rich and wide range of accommodation units in all categories with over 50,000 beds, Marrakech now has hundreds of restaurants with original concepts, internationally renowned chefs and great chefs of Moroccan culinary art . Tis is what makes a Marrakesh a topranking gastronomic destination.

More than ever, the development of tourism is also dependent on the enhancement of air services from major source markets.

During 2010, some 30 new air services were added to the existing flights for Marrakech amounting to 260 rotations / week all axes combined, including:

- Las Palmas - Marrakesh by Winter (2 flights weekly)

- - Marrakesh by RAM (2 flights weekly)

- Lisbon - Marrakesh by TAP (5 flights per week)

- Munich - Marrakech by RAM (2 flights weekly)

- Seville - Marrakech by Ryan Air

- East Midlands - Marrakesh by Ryan Air

- Porto - Marrakesh by Ryan Air

- Oslo-Copenhagen-Marrakech by Norwegian Air Shuttle

From March 2011 British Airways will mark its return to Marrakech from Gatwick Airport (3 flights per week)

The major challenge is to develop the further advantages of this traffic, by the conquest of new emerging markets in terms of the significant development potential which has been identified (Scandinavia, Russia, Poland etc.. ...

From April 2011 the launch of the RAK-London Heathrow flight operated by the British airline BMI.

The year 2010 was marked by a series of outstanding events organised by ONMT for the prestigious evenings at large metropolises (Red for Marrakech) for the luxury segment. These evenings that brought together leading figures from the world of finance, culture, the arts and film have added to Marrakech's reputation as a luxury destination .During the year 2010 thirty events were also held in Marrakech and have greatly contributed to strengthening the dynamics of the event: FIFM, Marrakesh Grand Prix ,FNAP, The Yves St Laurent collection, caftans, The Riad Art Expo Salon, Etc. ...

It is also worth mentioning a new genre of cultural events attracting a sporting, musical and artistic clientele, which are gaining popularity: Tournament tennis and golf, the Marathon, the International Toubkal Trail, Garden Art, Art Fair Etc ...

The new implementation strategy is mainly the development ofthe numerous and varied potential of the city and its region and in particular the province of Al Haouz, Essaouira and that all activities related to tourism including circuits / discovery, nature and adventure sports, eco tourism etc. ..

The completion of the dual carriageway linking Marrakech to Essaouira can only strengthen the position of Marrakech as a destination resort offering multi attraction products.

The Action Plan 2011, will be marked by :

- The implementation of new communication tools in different languages with the emphasis on new technologies

- Attendance at trade shows 13 international tourism events and 10 workshops in traditional markets and in emerging markets (Russia and Scandinavia ...)

- Communication campaign in favor of domestic tourism and rural tourism

- Support and assistance to a cultural event, artistic sports. ...

The publishing of brochures and books selling the Marrakech Region / weeks in Europe and gastronomic evenings and Marrakech in Moscow and Madrid and London ...