The Spanish market still holds significant potential
17 March 2009
Read by 2090 persons
The Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, Mohamed Boussaid, described the Spanish market as a "priority" on Wednesday in Madrid. It is the second largest market in terms of arrivals, with nearly 600,000 tourists visiting Morocco in 2008. This market still holds significant potential that "we intend to exploit," the minister added in an interview with MAP on the occasion of the opening of the 29th Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR).
Boussaid indicated that Morocco's presence at this international trade show has two main objectives: the first is to promote, market, and give significant importance to the new seaside resort of Saïdia - the first of the Azur plan - whose inauguration is scheduled for next summer.
The two main hotel groups that will open their doors as part of this project are Spanish, the Moroccan minister recalled, adding that the opening of a golf course, a marina, a shopping center, and a craft complex is also planned.
The second objective, Boussaid continued, is to strengthen other destinations appreciated by the Spanish consumer, including Marrakech, Agadir, and Fes, which, thanks to the development of air links, are experiencing significant growth. "Morocco is the closest country to Spain where you can have an authentic and unique trip.
We have comparative advantages that allow us to better resist and maintain the momentum that has prevailed in this market in recent years," he said, believing that the global economic crisis will lead consumers to choose between distant and nearby destinations.
In this very particular global context marked by a strong recession and an economic crisis that is beginning to impact the global tourism sector, Morocco is determined to "fiercely" defend its share of the priority source markets, he stressed. "We believe that Morocco will be more resilient to this situation, thanks to the quality of its product, its competitiveness, its proximity to the main tourist source markets, and its anticipatory strategy "Cap 2009" which is currently being implemented in the main tourist regions of the Kingdom," he added.
This international trade show is an important meeting point with major tour operators, as well as with tourism and air transport professionals, Boussaid noted, adding that it is also an opportunity to review already concluded agreements and prepare others to maintain the significant development of the Moroccan tourism sector. At this FITUR 2009, Morocco occupies a 400 m2 stand that perfectly combines modernity and authentic values, while highlighting the major assets of the Moroccan tourism product.
Several Regional Tourism Councils are present at this event to promote products and destinations that best meet the expectations of Spanish tourists. The 29th edition of FITUR continues until February 1st in Madrid with the participation of more than 150,000 professionals and nearly 12,000 companies active in this field representing 170 countries.
Considered one of the tourism trade shows with the greatest global reach, FITUR represents an important meeting platform enabling both exhibitors and visitors to define new strategies and promote their destinations, according to the organizers. It is an ideal setting for participants to establish business relationships, expand their contacts, present all their new products, and take advantage of all the benefits of participating in a major tourism event like this one.
The figures for participation in FITUR 2009 are "very satisfactory" given the global economic situation, the organizers emphasize, noting that this proves that this trade show "maintains its position as a privileged fair for the global tourism industry".
As part of FITUR 2009, which spans an area of 200,000 m2 spread over 12 large pavilions, several meetings and round tables are planned on topics such as "Responses of global tourism to the new challenges of economic globalization," "keys to building responsible tourism," "tourism and the environment, a renewable challenge," and "financial markets, economic situation, and tourism".
Posted on February 3, 2009
Fmdt
Boussaid indicated that Morocco's presence at this international trade show has two main objectives: the first is to promote, market, and give significant importance to the new seaside resort of Saïdia - the first of the Azur plan - whose inauguration is scheduled for next summer.
The two main hotel groups that will open their doors as part of this project are Spanish, the Moroccan minister recalled, adding that the opening of a golf course, a marina, a shopping center, and a craft complex is also planned.
The second objective, Boussaid continued, is to strengthen other destinations appreciated by the Spanish consumer, including Marrakech, Agadir, and Fes, which, thanks to the development of air links, are experiencing significant growth. "Morocco is the closest country to Spain where you can have an authentic and unique trip.
We have comparative advantages that allow us to better resist and maintain the momentum that has prevailed in this market in recent years," he said, believing that the global economic crisis will lead consumers to choose between distant and nearby destinations.
In this very particular global context marked by a strong recession and an economic crisis that is beginning to impact the global tourism sector, Morocco is determined to "fiercely" defend its share of the priority source markets, he stressed. "We believe that Morocco will be more resilient to this situation, thanks to the quality of its product, its competitiveness, its proximity to the main tourist source markets, and its anticipatory strategy "Cap 2009" which is currently being implemented in the main tourist regions of the Kingdom," he added.
This international trade show is an important meeting point with major tour operators, as well as with tourism and air transport professionals, Boussaid noted, adding that it is also an opportunity to review already concluded agreements and prepare others to maintain the significant development of the Moroccan tourism sector. At this FITUR 2009, Morocco occupies a 400 m2 stand that perfectly combines modernity and authentic values, while highlighting the major assets of the Moroccan tourism product.
Several Regional Tourism Councils are present at this event to promote products and destinations that best meet the expectations of Spanish tourists. The 29th edition of FITUR continues until February 1st in Madrid with the participation of more than 150,000 professionals and nearly 12,000 companies active in this field representing 170 countries.
Considered one of the tourism trade shows with the greatest global reach, FITUR represents an important meeting platform enabling both exhibitors and visitors to define new strategies and promote their destinations, according to the organizers. It is an ideal setting for participants to establish business relationships, expand their contacts, present all their new products, and take advantage of all the benefits of participating in a major tourism event like this one.
The figures for participation in FITUR 2009 are "very satisfactory" given the global economic situation, the organizers emphasize, noting that this proves that this trade show "maintains its position as a privileged fair for the global tourism industry".
As part of FITUR 2009, which spans an area of 200,000 m2 spread over 12 large pavilions, several meetings and round tables are planned on topics such as "Responses of global tourism to the new challenges of economic globalization," "keys to building responsible tourism," "tourism and the environment, a renewable challenge," and "financial markets, economic situation, and tourism".
Posted on February 3, 2009
Fmdt
