The indicators of tourist activity are indeed green. The January-June 2013 cumulation gives us growth rates of 21% in arrivals and +17% in overnight stays of all nationalities combined with an average occupancy rate which increased from 44% (1st half of 2012) to 53%, a gain of 9 points.; specifies the latest press release from CRT Marrakech El Haouz.
2°/More aggressive marketing of professionals: presence at various tourist events (trade fairs, work shop and road show); organization of one-off operations specific to certain brands (gastronomic weeks, etc.), presence on the web and promotional offers.
3°/ Concerted actions with the ONMT in terms of communication and public relations etc.
4°/ We should also point out the strong comeback of MICE (months 4, 5 and 6 were marked by several large-scale congresses such as: Congress of the African Development Bank, the World Congress on Environmental Education, the United Nations Diplomatic Conference for the Blind. What should be remembered is that Marrakech has succeeded in reversing the trend but the potential far exceeds these results which can be further improved if we manage to mobilize the means necessary for promotion and air travel. Nearly half of our litter capacity remains available so our objective is to reach 65% occupancy more or less in the short term. All markets have recovered except the Spanish market which experienced a decline for reasons mainly linked to the economic recession plaguing the country. On the other hand
The German market achieved growth of 27%
The G B 19%
Italy 11%; Scandinavia 41%; Switzerland 31%; Holland 100%
Likewise, the French market and the internal market recorded growth of 12% and 17% respectively. The installation in Marrakech of major international brands has made it possible to attract new customers from distant countries and in particular from the BRIC countries, which translates into more visibility to diversify the markets.
In addition to traditional markets, we target certain so-called emerging markets such as Brazil, Russia and Poland for example. For 3 years already, Marrakchi professionals have ensured an increasingly significant presence in these markets either as part of a commercial approach specific to their companies or as part of our action plan in partnership with the ON MT (trade fairs, eductours, press trips, etc.). We have already received several Chinese, Brazilian, Turkish and Polish eductours and press trips in Marrakech. Furthermore, we are making the German market a priority market in 2013/2014. Several Actions have been undertaken to boost this market; others are in progress because the prospects for development at this level are significant. an adapted action plan, aimed at the development of air travel (we are currently at 20 flights/week to Marrakech) and communication on the different facets of Marrakech is being studied in order to highlight the cultural aspect linked to freshness (swimming pool and aquapark, fun activities, etc.).
Future prospects remain dominated by the same trend which could improve by allowing the ONMT to have more means of promotion in order to seize all the opportunities that present themselves on several markets.
Reinforcement of aerial L:
– The launch of new air services and in particular:
– Toulouse – Marrakech (on the French market)
– Geneva – Marrakech (on the Swiss market)
– Bonn – Cologne – Marrakech
– Sao Paolo – Casa – RAK
– Baden-Baden – Marrakech
– Memmingen – Marrakech
– Valencia – Marrakech
– Bergerac – Marrakech
– Dole – Marrakech
– Paris Vatry – Marrakech
– Tours – Marrakech
– Cueno – Marrakech
The product
?1°/ Urban upgrading.
The vast majority of projects aimed at urban upgrading were developed within the framework of the Communal Development Plan of the municipal council of the city of Marrakech and the municipal council of MEchouar Kasbah.
?A- The Urban Travel Plan (PDU) concerns in particular the widening of avenues and boulevards, the creation of peripheral ring roads, roundabouts, development of lanes for buses with a high level of service, taxi ranks.
Relieved traffic congestion near the Saadian tombs by constructing a road following the traces of an old caravan circuit.
B – Urban requalification through the creation of new urban centers in Bab Doukala and the military district (Gueliz) in particular, creation of the city of arts.
?2 – Restoration and enhancement of historic monuments.
The projects that have been launched concern almost all of the monuments: squares, historic gates and ramparts are currently at a more advanced level of completion. It is the fruit of careful work with the support of local authorities and the direct involvement of the city council and that of the Mechouar Kasbah commune as well as the intervention of certain departments such as culture and Habous. This involves restoration and upgrading work on monuments, historic gates and historic gardens: The ramparts, Plais Badia, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, My Yazid Mosque and Place and the Koutoubia Esplanade.
?3- Gardens and green spaces.
– In the city: After the rehabilitation of the two most famous gardens in Marrakech (Arset My Abdeslam and Arst Al Harti), the efforts of the City Council continue in this direction to provide all the districts with green spaces and play areas.
a) development of green spaces in the 5 districts (Guéliz, Medina, Menara, SYBA, NAKHIL) with a budget of 4.5 million dhs.
b) Animation of green spaces in play areas (40) with a budget of 5 million dhs (Guéliz district: 8, Menara: 14, Medina: 6, SYBA: 6 and Nakhil: 6)
c) Moulay Hassan sports complex
– Intervention of the Regional Council for the development of green spaces in urban and rural centers (entrances to the city of Essaouira, Tahnaout and El Kelaa)
?4 – Improving reception conditions at the Airport.
a) installation of new equipment: RX for strengthening security measures
b) More visibility for notice boards concerning taxis (reconciliation)
c) Display of taxi fares on screens near baggage carousels
d) Organization of the flow of attendants by setting up a zone in the public hall e) Provision of a waiting room for business passengers
f) Development of a “Fast Track” circuit
g) Setting up a play area for children
h) Development of special passages dedicated to people with reduced mobility, pregnant women and families with children.
?5 – Sustainable development and environmental protection.
?a- Protection of forest heritage such as the Toubkal National Park.
?- opening of the Toubkal National Park ecomuseum
– Implementation of the Ere program
– Development of the Environmental Initiation Center
?b- green keys (water management).
Around twenty accommodation establishments in Marrakech have adhered to the principle of obtaining the green key.
Attached is the list of winners for 2013.
?
C Supply of golf courses and certain tourist establishments with irrigation water from the wastewater treatment plant
D Palmeraie conservation program in partnership with the Mohamed VI Foundation
This major project concerns the rehabilitation and preservation of the Palm Grove of Marrakech which constitutes the symbol of its identity.
– Irrigation by water from the treatment plant
– Creation of walking circuits
– Solar powered lighting
– Etc…
E Rehabilitation of the solid waste landfill
?6- Crafts:
– Launch of the Crafts thematic circuits project by the Department of Crafts with the support of the American Government.
– Creation by the Council of the Marrakech-Tensift Al Haouz Region of integrated craft complexes, particularly in Ait Ourir (training center for young people in craft professions, the creation of female artisans, etc.).
? 7- Development by the Regional Council of roads (opening up) in several provinces of the Region and in particular the Al Haouz Province.
?8- Partial renovation of the Taxi Park and control institution at the airport, improvement of prices and obligation of display, etc…
Ultimately we can say that notable progress has been recorded at the level of several projects linked to the product, thanks to a real synergy and mobilization of the services concerned, but other, more complex projects still remain open.
Source: CRT Marrakech
