Some 2.5 million Euro to improve Morocco's image in Spain

The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) has devoted a budget of 2.5 million Euro to improve Morocco's image in Spain and put an end to the widespread cliches concerning the country.

The campaign, to be launched next March, will highlight the image of a modern, and open Morocco, it was announced on the fringes of the Tourism Salon in Madrid (FITUR).

An opinion poll in Spain had revealed that, in spite of some positive aspects, Morocco is perceived in a negative way because of amalgam between it and other under-developed countries.

ONMT's Director general, Abbes Azzouzi, pointed out that the prevalent cliché is that of an under-developed country from the Arab world where archaic habits are still practiced.

The campaign will enable to acquaint the Spanish public with the genuine image of Morocco and highlight its modern aspects, he said. Trips will be organized in the profit of Spanish journalists to help the Spanish readership have a better knowledge of the reality in Morocco.

The number of Spanish tourists to Morocco increased last year by nearly 35 percent, compared to 2003. ONMT hopes to attract 500,000 Spanish tourists by 2010.