A crucial year with Morocco selected to co-host the 2030 World Cup, the kingdom furthen strenghtens its appeal as a premier destination for professional events. We presnt twelve key highlights including planes, trains, and other news for event professionals.
- Upgrades to Infrastructure
Continued investments in airports, high-speed rail, and modern convention centers bolster accessibility and logistical efficiency for event attendees and organizers. - Growth in Tourism
A surge in tourism, driven by diverse offerings and government initiatives, creates a dynamic and vibrant environment for event participants. - Vibrant Culture
Morocco’s rich cultural heritage is further celebrated through international recognition and captivating events, enriching the attendee experience and fostering cultural exchange. - Business-Friendly Climate
Ongoing reforms aimed at improving the business climate and attracting foreign investment foster a supportive environment for event organizers and attendees.
From up North…
1. Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport EXPANDS
The expansion of Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is a major development for Morocco’s event industry. The project, which is nearing completion, will significantly increase the airport’s capacity and improve its facilities. Expanded, the airport will feature modern terminals, upgraded infrastructure, and improved passenger services.
… to the South…
2. High-Speed Rail ExtenDED to Marrakech & Agadir
Morocco’s high-speed rail network continues to expand. This development is a significant boon for event organizers and attendees: Existing hourly services from Tanger to Rabat (1h10) and Casablanca (2h10) will be extended in time to host the 2030 World Cup. This massive investment includes three new train stations: Casablanca Airport, Marrakech Palmgrove, and Agadir.
3. New Convention Center IN MARRAKECH
The state-of-the-art facility will significantly boost the events industry in Morocco by increasing its capacity to host large-scale international conferences, exhibitions, and other professional events. This development will further solidify Marrakech’s position as a leading MICE destination in MENA & Africa. (see C)
freiheit.org Morocco’s mega-event strategy
Convention Centres & Conference Venues of Marrakech 2023
… and from East to West,
4. Strong Tourism Growth across the Kingdom
Morocco’s tourism sector continues to experience significant growth, driven by increased investment and improved infrastructure as well as a diverse range of tourism offerings. This growth creates a dynamic and vibrant environment for the events industry and attendees, offering a wealth of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and leisure activities beyond the scope of the event itself. The thriving tourism sector also contributes to the development of a robust hospitality industry, providing event organizers and attendees with a wide range of high-quality accommodation, dining, and transportation options.
Morocco welcomes the world
5. Rabat World Book Capital 2026
Rabat’s designation as the World Book Capital for 2026 is a significant achievement and will host authors, publishers, and book lovers from around the world, creating a fertile ground for knowledge-sharing events, literary festivals, and cultural exchanges.
6. Marrakech Islamic World Cultural Capital 2024
A unique opportunity to showcase Morocco’s rich Islamic heritage and cultural diversity, this year-long celebration featured a wide range of cultural events, exhibitions, festivals, conferences, and performances, attracting visitors from around the world.
7. Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year
The Qatar-Morocco Cultural Year was a significant initiative that fostered cultural exchange showcasing the rich cultural heritage of both nations. This initiative created new opportunities for event organizers to collaborate and develop joint cultural events.
A rising tide lifts all boats
8. Royal Theatre of Rabat Inauguration
The inauguration of the Royal Theatre of Rabat is a major milestone in the development of Morocco’s cultural infrastructure. The state-of-the-art theater provides a world-class venue for a wide range of performing arts events, including opera, ballet, theater, and music concerts. This new cultural landmark enhances Rabat’s appeal for spectacularly high-profile events and a pulse to the capital’s arts scene.
9. Marrakech International Film Festival
The Marrakech International Film Festival is a renowned film festival that attracts filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles from around the world. The festival showcases a diverse range of films, from international blockbusters to independent arthouse cinema, providing a platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression. The festival also offers a variety of industry events, including workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities, making it an attractive destination for film professionals.
10. International Book and Publishing Fairs
2024 saw international book fair in French, Arabic, and English. SIEL ’24 in Rabat saw a significant increase in attendance, with over 316,000 visitors recorded, marking a 32% rise compared to the previous year.
Salon International de l’Edition et du Livre (SIEL)
Standing on the shoulders of giants
11. Improving Business Climate and Attracting Foreign Investment:
The Moroccan government has implemented a series of reforms aimed at improving the business climate. The more favorable environment for businesses in general and event organizers in particular also enhances the overall attractiveness of Morocco as a destination for events.
12. Support for the Events Industry
Dedicated agencies and initiatives to promote Morocco as a MICE destination, provide support to event organizers, and develop the necessary infrastructure and human resources. These initiatives create a more favorable environment for the growth and development of the events industry in Morocco, attracting a greater number of international events and contributing to the country’s economic and cultural vibrancy.