Morocco: amusement parks, hot air balloon areas... before 2030

This vision "is perfectly integrated into the strategy of advanced regionalization and the development objectives for 2030 in Morocco," said Fatim-Zahra Ammor at the outset, in an interview with the newspaper Le Matin. This vision is based on the 2023-2026 roadmap, which gives a prominent place to the regions. "Together, we have broken down our national roadmap into regional implementation contracts. To date, we have signed 8 out of 12 contracts with the Wilayas and Regions, in perfect alignment with their regional development plans. Monitoring commissions, chaired by the walis, ensure the effective implementation of these plans," said the minister.

And she continued: "To allow each region to benefit from its tourism potential, we have identified 14 tourism sectors that allow us to highlight new experiences in the 12 regions. To stimulate investment in entertainment, our "Go Siyaha" program has been deployed through 50 regional promotion and recruitment events, in partnership with local stakeholders. We are also massively investing in training. With the OFPPT, we will create 12 Cap Excellence centers spread across the entire territory."

As part of the implementation of this roadmap, a particular emphasis is placed on "the tourism product" (accommodation and entertainment offer) and "human capital," says Fatim Zahra-Ammor. Regarding accommodation, "we have an ambitious goal: 100,000 to 150,000 additional beds by 2030. This is essential to meet the growing demand and prepare Morocco for major global events. In 2023, we opened 135 new units and we are actively collaborating with investors to accelerate this growth," she details, specifying that the objective is to increase the accommodation capacity and modernize the existing hotel park.

The official also announced "flagship projects across Morocco: amusement parks, hot air balloon areas, exhibition centers, and also several programs to stimulate the development of regional SMEs in entertainment and leisure to improve the visitor experience and increase return rates." She did not fail to emphasize the government’s interest in environmental protection in this sector. "This is why we are investing in ecological infrastructure and energy efficiency solutions, through the "Go Siyaha" program."

As for human capital, two programs are dedicated to them: the training program in partnership with the OFPPT and the sector’s professionals, and the "Kafaa" program for the certification of the professional skills of tourism actors. "These two important initiatives will allow us to have highly qualified and motivated talents, capable of offering excellent services to our visitors," assures the minister, also informing that three Regional Development Companies (SDR) Tourism out of the 11 planned are operational: Souss-Massa, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, and Tanger-Tétouan-El Hoceïma.