Latest news with #Fatim-ZahraAmmor
Morocco World
15-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Go Siyaha Expands Access to Boost Tourism Entrepreneurship in Morocco
Fez– The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism has announced three major updates to the Go Siyaha program, aimed at making it more accessible and impactful for tourism entrepreneurs across the country. These changes are designed to encourage investment, foster innovation, and generate new jobs in the sector. The new eligibility conditions will take effect starting Tuesday, July 22, 2025. According to the ministry, Go Siyaha has already supported 1,000 projects to date. With growing interest among young entrepreneurs and untapped potential in tourism, the program is now being adapted to meet the evolving needs of project holders. Key changes to the program The minimum investment threshold has been removed. One of the most significant updates is the removal of the minimum investment requirement of MAD 1 million. This change allows smaller projects, often led by young or first-time entrepreneurs, to qualify for funding and support. It also opens the door to a wider range of initiatives, including local cooperatives, guesthouses with cultural experiences, and community-based activity centers. 2. Investment support is now available for existing businesses. Previously, only newly established companies could apply for investment support under Go Siyaha. With this update, existing tourism businesses that are launching new entertainment or activity-based services will also be eligible. The ministry noted that this expansion will help leverage the experience of established businesses and speed up the development of high-potential projects. 3. Technical assistance now offered from start for new businesses. The program's technical assistance component, which was once limited to operational businesses, will now be made available from the very beginning of the project. New entrepreneurs will receive help with structuring their ideas, preparing funding applications, and building a solid foundation for their launch. This aims to address the common hurdles faced by newcomers and help them get off the ground faster. 'These improvements reflect our commitment to staying aligned with the real needs of tourism entrepreneurs,' said Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism, according to MAP. She added that the changes are designed to allow more Moroccan talent to develop creative, regionally tailored tourism projects. The updated Go Siyaha program is part of the national tourism roadmap for 2023–2026. It aims to support 1,700 tourism businesses by 2026, focusing especially on developing tourism-related entertainment and diversifying Morocco's overall tourism offering. Through this more flexible and inclusive approach, the government hopes to create lasting impact within the tourism sector, stimulate innovation, and encourage investment at all levels. Tags: entrepreneurshipGo SiyahaTourism
Morocco World
14-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
British Airways To Launch Direct Route Between London, Rabat
Rabat – British Airways announced that it will launch year-round direct services, connecting Morocco's Rabat with London. The flight will be offered by its subsidiary BA Euroflyer. The airline's media center has announced the news, noting that the flights are part of its expansion of short-haul network. The airline's route map will include two year-round services to Morocco's Rabat and the Austrian city of Graz. For the Rabat-London route, the airline will offer its services twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays, using an Airbus A320. The airline will begin services on November 5. 'Rabat is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, architecture, and distinctive blend of tradition and modernity,' British Airways' media center wrote, noting that the destination offers warm weather year-round. 'It's ideal for travellers seeking sunshine closer to home.' The airline also emphasized Rabat's leading role as the third destination in Morocco served by the flag carrier, alongside Marrakech and Rabat. The trip from London will cost £70 each way, including taxes and carrier fees, the report said. Morocco has been among the top destinations for tourists from many countries, including Britain. Tourist arrivals rate in Morocco marked an increase of 19% in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. The Ministry of Tourism said Morocco welcomed 8.9 million tourists in the first half of 2025, indicating an additional 1.4 million tourists compared to the same period last year. 'These results confirm Morocco's attractiveness and our ability to draw an increasing number of tourists,' Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor said. Tags: direct flightsdirect flights between Morocco and US
Morocco World
10-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Attracts 8.9 Million Tourists in First Half of 2025
Rabat – The Ministry of Tourism is celebrating a new achievement, noting that the tourist arrivals rate in Morocco marked an increase of 19% in the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. In a statement today, the ministry said Morocco welcomed 8.9 million tourists in the first half of 2025, indicating an additional 1.4 million tourists compared to the same period last year. The ministry said this number confirms Morocco's position as a top travel destination, maintaining an upward trend. The month of June contributed to the achievement with 1.7 million arrivals, an 11% increase compared to last year. This year's June is the best recorded to date, the statement said, noting that the news marks a positive start to the summer season. The statement conveys the ministry's high expectations, especially as summer represents a peak season for the country's tourism sector. 'These results confirm Morocco's attractiveness and our ability to draw an increasing number of tourists,' Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor said, noting that the second half of this year focuses on top priorities like strengthening air connectivity and accelerating the development of accommodation and entertainment offerings to meet the expectations of an increasingly demanding clientele. Morocco has been strengthening its position in the sector by breaking records and welcoming millions of tourists throughout the year and across all seasons. The North African country welcomed 17.4 million tourists last year, with arrivals representing a 20% increase compared to 2023. Morocco averaged $3.5 billion in FDI annually across all sectors, UN Tourism said, stressing that the country is now Africa's most-visited nation, surpassing Egypt. Tags: Tourism in Moroccotourists in morocco
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Beautiful country welcoming 5.7m tourism boom slapped with FCDO warning
A stunning country located just three hours from the UK seems to have finally been cast into the tourist spotlight - but now the FCDO is warning Brits about 'ongoing hostilities' An 'underrated' country just three hours from the UK has welcomed a huge tourist influx - but has now been stung with a stark travel warning. Boasting unspoilt golden sandy beaches, a rich history and some of the best markets in the world, Morocco has long been cast out of the tourist spotlight. For years, the country, located in North Africa, has grappled with its reputation - struggling to prove to Brits that it's 'safe' to visit. Harrowing events such as the 2011 bombing in Marrakesh, which killed 10 foreigners, have deterred huge numbers of UK holidaymakers from exploring the country's vast offerings. However, as anti-tourist sentiment sweeps across hotspots like Greece and Spain, it seems Morocco is finally getting the attention it deserves. As previously reported, The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism recently revealed the country had welcomed a whopping 5.7 million international visitors in the first four months of 2025. This marks a 23 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, and sets Morocco up for potentially breaking its tourist record this year. Tourism Minister Fatim-Zahra Ammor hailed the news, arguing that January-April is 'traditionally considered slow' when it comes to tourist footfall. The politician attributed the momentum as a 'direct result' of pushing Morocco as a tourist destination while 'anchoring the sector's development in a sustainable and resilient manner'. Many tourists opt to stay in Marrakesh, the country's fourth-largest city famed for its bustling market vendors, breathtaking architecture, and unique attractions such as Jardin Majorelle, which was previously owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. In recent years, Agadir has set itself up as the perfect 'fly and flop' destination - with a slew of all-inclusive resorts now operating on the country's stunning coastline. However, just as tourism is starting to soar - Morocco has been stung with a travel warning from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). While the body does not advise Brits against travelling to the country, it updated its advice on June 13 following the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Under its 'Safety and Security' page, the FCDO warns: "Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant, and follow the instructions of local authorities." Other warnings include violent crimes against tourists, credit card scams, bogus tourist guides, and marriage fraud. "Protests and demonstrations could occur across the country, particularly in large cities, often without warning," the FCDO adds. "These events are typically monitored closely by law enforcement. While authorised protests are generally peaceful, unauthorised ones have sometimes led to clashes between protesters and police. Such gatherings can cause travel disruption in the affected areas. Avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow local news and directions from security officials."
Morocco World
10-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Launches New Star Rating System for All Tourist Accommodations
Rabat – Morocco has officially introduced a new star rating system that will apply to all types of tourist accommodations across the country. This marks the first time that hotels, riads, guest houses, and other lodging options will be classified under a single, internationally recognized star system. The Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy has announced new rules to improve the quality of tourist accommodations across the country. Five new official orders have been published to update the 2015 law on tourist lodging, aiming to give visitors a better and clearer experience. From now on, all types of tourist accommodations will be rated using a star system similar to hotels. This new star rating is easier to understand and follows international standards, which would help tourists choose their stay more confidently, said the ministry in a press release. 'Every type of accommodation, whether Hotels, riads, Hotel clubs, Kasbahs…will now use the same star rating system that travelers recognize worldwide,' said the Minister of Tourism Fatim-Zahra Ammor. The evaluation will focus on buildings and facilities, as well as on the quality of service throughout the guest's stay. To ensure this, mystery visitors will regularly inspect the accommodations using a detailed checklist of up to 800 criteria, developed with the World Tourism Organization. Ratings will no longer be permanent. New establishments will be reviewed every 7 years, and others every 5 years, to maintain high standards. Another new idea introduced is called 'Residences Immobilières Adossées' (RIA). This lets investors build private villas connected to 5-star or luxury hotels, which they can sell to private owners. These villas will be managed by the hotel, offering luxury guests a more private experience. This aims to encourage more investment in Morocco's tourism sector. Ammor said this is step as a big achievement, saying it will help position Morocco as a top tourist destination. 'Morocco is world famous for its hospitality. With these new measures, we are elevating our hospitality standards to match our legendary reputation!' she wrote. Tourism businesses have 24 months to adjust to the new rules. This gives them time to improve their services, train their staff, and prepare for the new inspections. Soon, new rules will also cover other types of lodging like 'bivouacs' (camping sites), home stays, and innovative options such as container homes and cabins. These rules will also include listings on popular booking platforms. Tags: accommodationMoroccoTourism
