The Ministry of Tourism launches an ambitious project to promote 16 tourist villages in Morocco
The Ministry of Tourism, Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy has launched an ambitious project aimed at promoting 16 tourist villages across several regions of Morocco, with an overall budget of 188 million dirhams (MDH). This program, carried out in partnership with the Moroccan Society of Tourist Engineering (SMIT) as part of the 2023-2026 roadmap for the tourism sector, aims to promote rural tourism, create sustainable jobs and play a key role in local socio-economic development, as indicated by the ministry in a press release. This project, which will run until 2026, provides for the tourism development of these 16 villages, each benefiting from support to improve existing infrastructures and create new ones, adapted to the needs of modern tourism. This includes the creation of new accommodation offers, as well as cultural and leisure infrastructures. SMIT will supervise the implementation of these projects to ensure their compliance with the principles of sustainable tourism. To ensure the success of this program, four strategic partnerships have been established with key players, both national and international, such as Club Med, Marriott, Experiencia and MADAEF, to provide their expertise. The 16 selected villages will be divided into four geographical lots, each reflecting the diversity of Moroccan landscapes: First lot: Dar El Hamra (Fez-Meknes): A charming village with traditional houses and agricultural landscapes. Ain Leuh (Fez-Meknes): Ideal for hikes in cedar forests and renowned for its cultural festivals. Zaouiat Oued Ifrane (Fez-Meknes): A haven of peace, famous for its waterfalls and trekking trails. Ain Tizgha (Casablanca-Settat): Known for its picturesque landscapes and authentic local cuisine. Read also｜The Morocco pavilion at FITUR 2025: A showcase of Moroccan tourist excellence Second lot: Imi Ouaddar (Souss-Massa): A perfect coastal village for surfing and relaxation enthusiasts. Imessouane (Souss-Massa): Popular destination for surfers with spectacular seascapes. Ksar Ait Benhaddou (Drâa-Tafilalet): A UNESCO World Heritage site, emblematic of Moroccan architecture. Ksar Tizgui (Drâa-Tafilalet): A fortified village offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding oasis. Third lot: Imlil (Marrakech-Safi): Starting point for hikes to Mount Toubkal, with spectacular landscapes. Oukaimeden (Marrakech-Safi): The main ski resort of Morocco. Ouzoud (Béni Mellal-Khénifra): Renowned for its impressive waterfalls and Berber culture. Zaouit Ahensal (Béni Mellal-Khénifra): A mountainous village, ideal for trekking. Fourth lot: Icherriten (Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma): A mountain village offering panoramic views. Jajouka (Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma): Famous for its ancestral musical tradition. Tafoughalt (Oriental): A village nestled in the mountains of Beni Snassen, known for its unique geology. Oulmès (Rabat-Salé-Kénitra): Renowned for its thermal springs and local crafts. A targeted marketing strategy will be put in place to increase the attractiveness of these villages, with partnerships with tourist operators. This will help transform these villages into authentic and differentiated destinations, offering immersive and exclusive experiences to tourists. This program is part of a broader dynamic of diversification of the tourist offer in rural areas, in particular through the creation of gastronomic circuits, the promotion of cultural festivals and the development of sales platforms for local crafts and local products.
