Morocco plans major tourism complex in Essaouira

In late January, the government of Morocco initiated a deal with a consortium of Arab investors to build a $1.8 billion leisure complex aimed at boosting tourism, according to comments made by the country’s tourism minister to the state news agency.
The consortium partners involved in the setup of the complex in the coastal city of Essaouira are Abu Dhabi Investment, Ithmaar Development and Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House, an Islamic finance company.
Morocco Tourism Minister Mohamed Boussaid reported that the agreement was signed while all parties were attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Healthcare and leisure facilities are at the heart of the project to be built on 270 hectares in the city on the Atlantic Ocean, which is one of Morocco’s main tourism destinations.
Tourism is the largest source of foreign currency for Morocco and, after agriculture and textiles, the main employer. It is draws the majority of foreign investment, with some real estate and tourism projects funded by Arab investors worth as much as $20 billion.
Analysts and tourism industry officials are concerned that the slowdown in the sector caused by the economic recession in Europe and other parts of the world may make it difficult for the country to realize its objectives.
Morocco’s government is hoping to increase the number of tourist arrivals to 10 million in 2009, as compared with eight million last year.
For more information on this article please visit www.zawya.com.
www.visitmorocco.org

Ithmar consortium to develop $1.8b resort in Morocco

Feb 1, 2009 - 12:15 -
Davos, 31 Jan. 2009 (WAM) - A letter of Intent (LoI) was signed today in Davos between Morocco and a consortium led by Ithmar Development, to develop a resort in Suwaira, Morocco, at a total cost of USD 1.8 billion.The consortium includes Ithamr Development Abu Dhabi Investment and the Gulf Finance House.The project entails construction of a world-class resort and spa on an area of 270-hectar.Moroccan Tourism minister Mohammed Bu Saed said the project was set to give a major boost to his country's position as a preferred destination for leisure and health tourists around the world.

M'sian Firm Completes Phase One Of Housing Project In Morocco

RABAT (Morocco), Jan 30 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian company, Al-Hidayah Development Sarl, has successfully completed the construction of townhouses for sale in Tamesna City, a new township project outside the capital city, and is now going on to the second phase of the housing project, said Datuk Othman Samin, Malaysian Ambassador to Morocco."It has taken quite some time for things to get started after former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad laid the groundwork during his official visit some years ago for Malaysian companies to be involved in construction projects in Morocco," he said.Al-Hidayah Development Sarl is led by Haji Baharin Ayob, who is also the head of the Malaysian community here."I hope the success of Al-Hidayah in Morocco would interest other Malaysian companies to look for opportunities here," said Othman.He said his office would facilitate other Malaysian companies keen on exploring their market potential in Morocco.Othman also said Malaysian furniture was much sought after in this country in view of their quality and affordability.As for tourism, he said, Malaysia was beginning to attract more Moroccan visitors."I am told that some 4,000 Moroccans visited Malaysia last year. That is a good sign. The promotion by Tourism Malaysia is beginning to show results," Othman added.-- BERNAMA

Golfing Holidays in Morocco

Golf in Morocco is hot stuff in every way - glorious weather, glorious courses, glorious food, glorious people - and all this a mere three hours from London - less time than it takes to play nine holes at some of the overcrowded Spanish and Portuguese courses, and a good deal less expensive.
Take the golfing road to Morocco - the courses are easy to get on, a round takes four hours on a busy day, the greens are beautifully manicured, and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to play. Green fees are from about the 20 EUR mark, and caddies, all shrewd and knowledgeable, only charge about 6 EUR.
Bordering the North Atlantic and boasting an annual 300 days of sunshine and year-long golfing weather, Morocco is a welcome breath of fresh air that for the time being remains unspoilt and totally worthy of your attention.

King launches construction works of $ 2.9bln new city north of Morocco

Tangier, 8 Jan.2009 (MAP)- King Mohammed VI of Morocco, on Thursday, launched the construction works of a new city in the province of Fahs Anjra, north of Morocco, at a global cost of MAD 24 bln ($2.9 bln).

The city dubbed CH'RAFATE will be established on a 1,300ha area and will include, by the completion of works in 2020, some 30,000 housing units benefiting 150k people.
The new city, to be located between the cities of Tangiers and Tetuan (both north), falls within the framework of the strategic choices defined by the development plan of the Al Boughaz region that provides for building large new urban areas and preventing the excessive build-up along the coast by favoring inlands.
This project, to be carried out by development company Al Omrane Al Boughaz as well as national and international property developers, will strengthen both the urban and road networks in Morocco's northern region, while anticipating the demand for diversified housing that will be generated by the Tanger-Med Port and surrounding industrial areas.
It will also create jobs thanks to the establishment of an industrial zone, while guaranteeing environment-friendly measures by adapting the city to all the constraints either geological or technical, and preserving an urban style similar to that prevailing in the Mediterranean rim.
Besides a diversified housing offer, the city will include several industrial zones, a handicrafts complex, a tourism-oriented area, city facilities and green areas.
On this occasion, the Monarch inquired on the 2009-2034 urban development program of M'diq city that is meant to monitor the industrial development between the Tanger-Med Port and the city, preserve protected natural areas, replant trees and boost the economic development and the attraction of the region's tourist area.
The king also heard details about the 2020 housing program for the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, M'diq and Fnideq that require 350k additional housing units to fill housing shortfalls and address needs stemming from the population growth.