Morocco intends to invest Dh90 billion (US$ 10 billion) in tourism by 2010, including Dh40 billion (US$ 4.4 billion) in hotel infrastructure to raise accommodation capacity nationwide to 230,000 beds, and in the training of at least 70,000 professionals.
The minister of tourism, handicraft and social economy, Adil Diouri told the productive sectors committee at the House of Representatives (lower parliament chamber), the Moroccan “Vision-2010” strategy, meant to lure 10 million tourists by 2010, MAP reported.
Although the World Tourism Organization called 2003 “the worst year” for the sector, Douiri said hotel nights were almost stable and slightly dropped by 1%, while the number of tourists increased by 6%. He explained that the sector managed to overcome effects of al Qaeda's attacks in May 2003.
For Moroccan nationals, he explained that the ministry is trying to create a product that suits Moroccans who are looking for “a family vacation atmosphere” and need, therefore, accommodation different from hotels. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
