American travel agents visit Morocco

U.S. travel agents from seven U.S. states are visiting Morocco December 2 to 10 to explore ways to increase the number of American tourists traveling to Morocco.

The 26-member delegation held a meeting here Monday with U.S. Ambassador to Rabat, Margaret Tutwiler, who noted that "Morocco has much to offer the American tourist," a press release by the U.S. embassy said.

"I encourage you all to seek ways to increase the number of tourists traveling here. The U.S. Embassay supports your efforts," Ms Tutwiler said recalling that King Mohammed VI had repeatedly said that tourism is one of the leading sectors in Morocco, and that the government has made it a goal to increase the number of tourists to 10 million by the year 2010.

Members of this business delegation include a photographer, 3 travel executives of "Yal'lla Tours USA" (the organizer of the tour) including its president Ronen Paldi, and "Travel Age West" magazine editor-in-chief, Mario

Flanagan.

The Moroccan Travel Agency "Unitours" based in Marrakech organized in collaboration with the American Travel Agency "Yal'lla Tour USA" a familiarization trip on behalf of American travel agencies in Oregon, Washington, Colorado, California, Missouri, Illinois and Vermont.

During their visit, the U.S. travel agencies representatives will visit Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknes, Merzuga, Ouarzazate and Marrakech.

The purpose of the visit is to allow the U.S. travel agencies to experience first-hand Morocco's tourism market and explore ways to promote it in the United States.