King Mohammed stresses role of tourism in conveying image of Morocco as open country
Morocco, Politics, 2/8/2002

Morocco's King Mohammed VI stressed in a message to the opening session of the international forum of the World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Training, held here this Feb.8-11, the role of tourism in conveying the image of Morocco as an open and tolerant country.

The royal message, read out by advisor to the sovereign Mohamed Moatassim, underscores that Morocco does not regard tourism as a mere driving force for development and economic advancement but rather as a means for a country to convey its image. "Our strategic approach did not stem merely from the notion that tourism is a driving force for development and economic advancement, but rather from the fact that tourism is basically a civilisational choice which makes it possible for our country to express its age-old traditions of mutual understanding and interaction between cultures and among peoples, and also to convey its openness, its tolerance and its longstanding, generous hospitality. Thus the nation conveys a unique genius which has enabled it to remain, over the centuries, a cross-road for civilisational interaction, a peace haven and a safe destination for visitors from everywhere," the sovereign says in his message.

The King also recalled how Morocco has been successful in mitigating post-September 11 effects, as most international events scheduled to be hosted by Morocco was maintained and it continued to be an attractive destination for tourists.

"We have adopted a strategy based on an open civilisational approach, a clear visibility in the long run, well-defined targets and commitments, and fruitful partnership between the state and the private sector, with the support induced by professionalism, coherence and efficiency," says the sovereign adding "Morocco has successfully managed the adverse impact of the Sept.11 tragic events on the tourism influx, thus enhancing the repute and the trust it enjoys as a safe and stable country and as a shining civilisational beacon spreading the values of peace, democracy, moderation and respect for human life in all its manifestations."

"Thus Morocco has continued to enjoy the trust of the international community, governments, organizations and civil society alike. Notwithstanding the difficult world juncture, it has hosted a score of international conferences, as scheduled initially. This tends to confirm its stature as an exemplary venue for international events, and as an attractive destination for tourists who are confident about the country's potentialities and about the safe and stable environment it provides."

He also cited the very fact that the World Association for Hospitality and Tourism Training is convening for the first time an international forum in an African country as additional evidence to the trust of prominent personalities scholars and experts, who are attending this international forum.

The royal message further expresses Morocco's resolve to get its share from the rise in the flow of tourists whose number is expected to reach over one billion, world-wide, a quarter of which in the Mediterranean region alone, on the basis of the score of potentialities which cater for the quality and competitiveness of its touristic product, in addition to its identity as an open civilization. Listing Morocco's assets, the sovereign cited geographical position in the heart of major tourism destinations, the diversity of its nature which allows tourism activities on the coast and in the mountains as well as in the desert, specific features for each region and highly attractive landscapes and scenery, an age-old and varied cultural heritage, including imperial cities and Kasbahs which have been listed as part of the cultural heritage of humanity, various manifestations of the Moroccan civilization, including a wide range of popular arts, fine architecture, cooking and costumes which are unique, authentic, age-old and attractive, in addition to the new accommodation facilities, such as guest-houses and country-side lodgings.

Of Morocco's tourism policy, the sovereign says the strategy implemented involves institutional, financial, real estate and fiscal dimensions, with the aim of attracting by 2010 an annual number of 10 million tourists, increase accommodation capacity by some 80,000 additional rooms and create 600,000 new jobs in addition to raising the tourism share in GDP to 20%.

In addition, the royal message goes on, Morocco has a renovated, decentralized development policy, which warrants coherent interaction between the public and the private sectors and in which the Hassan II Economic and Social Development Fund is playing an efficient role in stimulating tourism investment activities, through development and equipment of tourism resorts. This policy also provides for Regional Investment Centers to play a key role as single investment desks, which boost and facilitate implementation of projects undertaken by tourism developers.

However, the sovereign insists, only proper training of human resources will determine how much Morocco has succeeded in its endeavors. In this regard, the sovereign recommends the allocation of a significant part of the curricula to socio-cultural training, along with the fast-changing technical aspects. "The aim is to provide tourism actors in the field, with the ability to respond to the tourist's need for rest and leisure and, at the same time, to meet the requirements of "cultural exception" in its positive meaning, which calls for the respect of identities and for the preservation of authenticity as well as of environmental and socio-cultural diversity, which is regarded as a key booster for tourism," the message goes.

"We appreciate the efforts being made in this direction, by you, the participants, and by the World Tourism Organization. We consider that your forum provides a valuable opportunity for all of us to share experiences in the hotel and tourism industry. We are all convinced that it is not merely a matter of teaching the techniques of the tourism trade, but rather fostering a whole culture and the art of human interaction. This is what tourism activity is all about. It is its very ultimate purpose," the king stresses.

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