Morocco wins African tourism award

Morocco has been awarded the title 'African Tourism Destination of the Year' at this year's African Business Awards.

During the annual event organised by African Business magazine and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC), Morocco was recognised as a nation that has demonstrated innovation and proactivity in mobilising its tourism industry.

Mr Ali El Kasmi, Director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office UK, said: “We are delighted to have won such an accolade. Morocco offers a quality product and a cultural destination full of energy, mysticism and spice.”

One example of the country's enterprise is the government's Vision 2010 Tourism Strategy, which aims to attract around 10 million visitors to Morocco by 2010.

Plan Azur, as it is known, is responsible for the development of six new purpose-built resorts providing 85,000 hotel beds and 35,000 beds in other properties. The first of these new resorts, Mediterrania-Saïdia, opened in June.

Valuing the local culture and environment as well as the economy is an integral part of Plan Azur. Mazagan, the second new resort, is due to open in October 2009.

British travellers hoping to stretch their holiday budgets further are increasingly looking to mid-haul destinations outside the Eurozone. Morocco is within three hours from the UK, flying with airlines including Royal Air Maroc and easyJet.

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