Marrakech-Agadir TGV: Is Essaouira sacrificed?

6 March 2024 – bySaid@Bladi · 1 min read

The route of the future high-speed train connecting Marrakech to Agadir has caused a wave of concern in Essaouira. The city of the Alizés, a major tourist destination, fears being excluded from this large-scale project, even though it is part of the route.

The current route does not actually plan any stops in Essaouira, favoring cities like Sidi Zouine and Chichaoua. A decision motivated, according to some sources, by the requirements of the 2030 World Cup.

"It’s incomprehensible!" exclaims a Souiri on Facebook. "Essaouira is a beautiful city, with huge tourism potential. The TGV could bring us thousands of additional visitors," declares another.

The prospect of seeing Essaouira deprived of the TGV is perceived as a blow to the development of the city. "The high-speed train is an essential element for the future of Essaouira," explains a business leader on social networks. "It would attract investors and create new jobs and open up the entire region."

Faced with this situation, calls are multiplying to maintain the original route and include Essaouira in the strategic plan of the Moroccan high-speed rail.

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

Marrakesh Agadir Essaouira High-Speed Train - Morocco Chichaoua HST Marrakesh - Agadir