5 Principles to Follow in 2009
6 March 2009
Read by 1570 persons
Morocco is currently the only non-European market open to European skies. However, with the economic crisis that began in October 2008, swift action is crucial to avoid the effects of this crisis.
Morocco has been able to accelerate the number of arrivals since 2003, gaining more than 3 million international tourists in 5 years. This acceleration can be explained by several factors. First, Marrakech's offerings have grown considerably. The Kingdom's tradition of hospitality, its gastronomy, crafts, and the diversity of its landscapes, music, dances, and festivals bring to the destination a quality of life that is not always found among its competitors. In addition, the opening of Moroccan skies to European skies has generated the creation of two low-cost airlines from the south of the Mediterranean. Morocco is currently the only non-European market open to European skies. However, with the economic crisis that began in October 2008, swift action is crucial to "get through" 2009 without peril. Five principles have been identified within the framework of the Mediterranean Travel Association (META).
According to Etienne Pauchant, founder of this association, "the price of a barrel of oil is currently below 60 dollars. We can assume that forward purchases of fuel are accelerating, in anticipation of a possible increase in 2009 (the ECB anticipates a price around 120 dollars next year). The multiplication of low-cost airport platforms in Morocco must therefore logically be taken into consideration (one bed - one seat)". In this context, META is actively preparing with the National Tourism Federation (FNT) and the Marrakech Regional Tourism Center a conference that has received the support of the DG Transport and Energy of the European Union Commission. The debate will be organized around the theme of "Expanding the common European airspace to the Mediterranean markets: the new rules of the game". It will be held in Marrakech, at the end of May or beginning of June, and will bring together for the first time in the Mediterranean airline companies, airports, and several international experts specialized in the development of low-cost transport.
Etienne Pauchant mentioned in his conferences, on the sidelines of the FNT congress and the MTM fair in Marrakech, the need for strong development of electronic distribution through the presence of all offers (Riads, hotels, guest rooms, festivals, cities) on the web, etc. This while remaining as close as possible to the "floor price" in 2009, without jeopardizing operations. Ethical management is also important. It is a matter of considering the protection of sites, flora and fauna, respect for the built heritage, strict management of water, energy, waste, and the limitation of CO2 emissions.
He also emphasized authenticity, a trend strongly developed by European demand aged 50 and over. "Avoid over-Westernizing Moroccan offerings, favor local culture, encounters with traditions, exchanges with the receptive or directly with the population," he believes. Besides seaside resorts, tourism in imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, and the desert should be promoted. Based on observations of European tourism source markets, META proposes that Mediterranean tourism professionals actively contribute to the Union for the Mediterranean's objectives, within the framework of a synthesis, bringing together the sustainability objectives shared by the Union for the Mediterranean and tourism professionals operating there. In short, tourism has become a "human need." "Despite the strong pessimism inspired by 2009, it is important to note that, unlike the situation after September 11, 2001, or the SARS epidemic, the current series of bad economic news has not undermined the strong desire to travel," he points out. As soon as the economic situation improves, the demand for travel will resume immediately, and the growth in departures will start again.
Posted online January 26, 2009
lematin.ma
Morocco has been able to accelerate the number of arrivals since 2003, gaining more than 3 million international tourists in 5 years. This acceleration can be explained by several factors. First, Marrakech's offerings have grown considerably. The Kingdom's tradition of hospitality, its gastronomy, crafts, and the diversity of its landscapes, music, dances, and festivals bring to the destination a quality of life that is not always found among its competitors. In addition, the opening of Moroccan skies to European skies has generated the creation of two low-cost airlines from the south of the Mediterranean. Morocco is currently the only non-European market open to European skies. However, with the economic crisis that began in October 2008, swift action is crucial to "get through" 2009 without peril. Five principles have been identified within the framework of the Mediterranean Travel Association (META).
According to Etienne Pauchant, founder of this association, "the price of a barrel of oil is currently below 60 dollars. We can assume that forward purchases of fuel are accelerating, in anticipation of a possible increase in 2009 (the ECB anticipates a price around 120 dollars next year). The multiplication of low-cost airport platforms in Morocco must therefore logically be taken into consideration (one bed - one seat)". In this context, META is actively preparing with the National Tourism Federation (FNT) and the Marrakech Regional Tourism Center a conference that has received the support of the DG Transport and Energy of the European Union Commission. The debate will be organized around the theme of "Expanding the common European airspace to the Mediterranean markets: the new rules of the game". It will be held in Marrakech, at the end of May or beginning of June, and will bring together for the first time in the Mediterranean airline companies, airports, and several international experts specialized in the development of low-cost transport.
Etienne Pauchant mentioned in his conferences, on the sidelines of the FNT congress and the MTM fair in Marrakech, the need for strong development of electronic distribution through the presence of all offers (Riads, hotels, guest rooms, festivals, cities) on the web, etc. This while remaining as close as possible to the "floor price" in 2009, without jeopardizing operations. Ethical management is also important. It is a matter of considering the protection of sites, flora and fauna, respect for the built heritage, strict management of water, energy, waste, and the limitation of CO2 emissions.
He also emphasized authenticity, a trend strongly developed by European demand aged 50 and over. "Avoid over-Westernizing Moroccan offerings, favor local culture, encounters with traditions, exchanges with the receptive or directly with the population," he believes. Besides seaside resorts, tourism in imperial cities, the Atlas Mountains, and the desert should be promoted. Based on observations of European tourism source markets, META proposes that Mediterranean tourism professionals actively contribute to the Union for the Mediterranean's objectives, within the framework of a synthesis, bringing together the sustainability objectives shared by the Union for the Mediterranean and tourism professionals operating there. In short, tourism has become a "human need." "Despite the strong pessimism inspired by 2009, it is important to note that, unlike the situation after September 11, 2001, or the SARS epidemic, the current series of bad economic news has not undermined the strong desire to travel," he points out. As soon as the economic situation improves, the demand for travel will resume immediately, and the growth in departures will start again.
Posted online January 26, 2009
lematin.ma
