At the Paris International Tourism Fair, held from September 17 to 19, 2024, the regions of Fès-Meknès and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab were highlighted as guests of honor. This initiative, led by the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT), aims to showcase the diversity of Morocco’s tourism offerings and strengthen the country’s brand on the global stage.

Tourism experts have noted that this strategic decision underscores Morocco’s commitment to diversify its attractions and maximize the rich heritage available across the country. They emphasize that promoting lesser-known regions, beyond traditional tourist destinations, is crucial to achieving Morocco’s strategic goals for a balanced tourism promotion.

“A Successful Choice”

Hamid Bentahar, president of the National Confederation of Tourism, stated that diversifying Morocco’s national offering is key to reaching the target of 17.5 million tourists by 2026 and 26 million by 2030. He highlighted the importance of showcasing different regions at international events, like the Draa-Tafilalet region, previously featured at the fair, to attract French tourists and others.

Bentahar also pointed out that the work on air transport is aligned with this strategy, as all Moroccan regions are accessible by air. He further stressed the need for strengthened partnerships to accelerate the development of tourism offerings.

Promoting Regional Diversity

The presence of two distinct regions as honored guests at such a major international fair reveals Morocco’s diverse tourism potential. France, being the leading international market for Moroccan tourism, plays a critical role in promoting new destinations beyond the well-established ones, ensuring that these regions gain their share of the global tourism market.

Rich Tourism Offerings

Tourism professional Salih Wahli affirmed that this initiative emphasizes Morocco’s vast and varied tourism landscape. He noted that Marrakech has already established itself as a world-renowned destination, while giving other regions the opportunity to benefit from international tourism will increase visitor numbers.

Wahli, who is also president of the Regional Association of Tourist Guides in Marrakech-Safi, stressed that democratizing tourism and creating equitable opportunities for all regions will have positive impacts on economic, social, cultural, and environmental levels. He highlighted the importance of developing and promoting each region’s unique natural and cultural heritage to support Morocco’s growing tourism sector.

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Conclusion

As Morocco continues to implement its 2026-2030 tourism roadmap, initiatives like featuring Fès-Meknès and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab at the Paris International Tourism Fair play a crucial role in promoting regional tourism diversity and helping Morocco achieve its ambitious tourism goals.