Marrakech Launches Convention Bureau to Boost Business Tourism

The objective of the Marrakech Convention Bureau (MCB) is to bring together all the professionals in the tourism sector of the region to create a label, unite efforts and take the appropriate measures to develop the flow of MICE Tourism and have a structure that can promote Marrakech as a flagship destination. Since the beginning of the year, the CRT, ARAVMS and AIH had set themselves the goal of raising Marrakech in this segment, with resolutions in collaboration with professionals, reports L’Économiste.

Events and business tourism are segments that have been extremely impacted by the health crisis. Companies find themselves in a delicate financial situation like that of the 2008 financial crisis. "Before the crisis, Marrakech was the flagship of national tourism in this segment, which represents 20% of local arrivals," said Taoufik Madih, president of the regional association of travel agencies in Marrakech/Safi.

In addition, business tourism did not benefit from the rebound of the summer season. But the situation has not stopped professionals in their ardor to work for the recovery. Marrakech is also working on a permanent exhibition center that will allow it to host events the size of COP22 and could also become a center for the entire African continent.

To recall, before Covid-19, the city borrowed tents installed on the Bab Ighli square in order to host the work of major events. The Regional Council had promised a structure as of 2021.