Morocco to host UNWTO regional office for Africa

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Morocco obtained a good harvest during the UNWTO General Assembly, held in Madrid: Marrakech was chosen to host the organization’s first regional office in Africa and Morocco was elected to the executive committee.

This UNWTO general assembly was to be held in Marrakech, but Morocco withdrew, leaving organizers little time to find a replacement. Ultimately, it was Madrid that was chosen. And a Moroccan delegation, led by the Minister of Tourism, was present on site at this general assembly organized from November 30 to December 3.

For the closing evening, Morocco (ministry and ONMT) offered an evening to which the 500 participants were invited. According to international press articles consulted by us, this evening was “magical”, a success. Be that as it may, Morocco has tried by its presence, its contacts and this evening, to erase the negative effects of the Moroccan withdrawal, as well as of the repeated suspensions of flights; to leave the participants with a positive impression.

The results of Moroccan participation go beyond the effects of an evening, as dazzling as it is. There have been three decisions that concern Morocco:

-The candidacy of Morocco to host the first African office of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the 2nd in the world, was ratified during the 24th session of the general assembly of the Organization, announces the Moroccan delegation in a statement. 4 other African countries were candidates, according to the same source. Argentina and Brazil will also host a regional office.

-Morocco was elected as a member of the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2021-2025 term.

-Moroccan participation was marked by the consecration of the village of Sidi Kaouki (province of Essaouira) as “Best Tourism Village 2021”. The seaside village of Sidi Kaouki was selected from over 170 applications from 75 countries. This award recognized Morocco’s continued efforts to build an eco-responsible destination. 44 villages from 32 countries in total were honored.