Latest news with #ONMT
Morocco World
09-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONMT Partners with European Travel Association to Boost Moroccan Tourism
Rabat — Morocco's National Tourism Office (ONMT) has signed a strategic partnership with the European Travel Agents' and Tour Operators' Association (ECTAA) to strengthen the country's position as a leading destination in the European travel market. Through joint organization of various B2B events, communication campaigns, and study days with ECTAA, the tourism office will now gain access to ECTAA's network of approximately 80,000 European travel companies. A statement from ECTAA noted that Morocco already enjoys popularity as a travel destination, particularly in the Benelux market (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg). The ONMT maintains a strong presence in the Belgian market, as the country served as the 'Host Country' for the Travel Awards last year, an event that brought together nearly 1,000 Belgian travel professionals. Earlier this year, ONMT partnered with YelloSun to organize a sports tourism trip where about 20 travel European agents ran the Marrakech half-marathon. In the statement, ECTAA's Secretary General Eric Drésin described Morocco as 'a reliable and inspiring partner' and 'the natural gateway to Africa.' The collaboration aims to promote both iconic sites and lesser-known regions, with a focus on 'sustainable travel' — one of Morocco's national pillars. The partnership is designed to help Morocco expand its reach across European markets while paving the way for responsible tourism practices that align with the country's commitment to sustainable development in the tourism sector. ONMT has been putting in robust efforts to promote Morocco as a leading destination for tourism in the African continent. The country recently held an all-hands meeting that gathered executives from headquarters and international offices, in a move to enhance managerial performance. The meeting signals a shift in how Morocco aims to tackle tourism ambitions and better prepare for international competitions, particularly the 2025 AFCON and 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco World
04-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco's Tourism Chief Brings All Staff Together for Major Strategic Reset
Rabat — Morocco's National Tourism Office (ONMT) has called an unprecedented all-hands meeting in Rabat, bringing together executives from headquarters and international offices for the first time. The move seems to be an extensive overhaul through which the office intends to enhance its managerial performance and signals a major shift in how the country plans to tackle its tourism ambitions. Achraf Fayda, who took over as head of the tourism office eight months ago, organized this comprehensive staff mobilization to align everyone around a shared vision. The meeting represents more than just internal reorganization,as ONMT chief wants to create a workplace culture focused on results, quick decision-making, and mutual trust. He says his team plans to identify top talent across the organization, improve communication between departments, cut red tape, and invest in employee development. Recent wins set the stage This internal reset builds on several recent successes that have helped Morocco gain ground in global tourism. The 'Morocco, Land of Football' marketing campaign created a buzz and connected with audiences worldwide. Two focused initiatives — one highlighting Fès and another promoting Ouarzazate — featured Morocco's rich history and natural beauty to potential visitors. Read also: Morocco's ONMT Launches Strategic Tourism Plans for Fez, Ouarzazate The tourism office has also struck deals with major international travel companies to increase flights to Morocco and boost the country's visibility in key markets. Eyes on major events ahead The Rabat meeting comes at a crucial time, with Morocco preparing to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations and co-host the World Cup in 2030. These events will put the country in front of millions of viewers worldwide and represent massive opportunities to attract new visitors. The tourism office plans to create a detailed action plan that takes advantage of these upcoming events. But first, they want to make sure their team works as a unified force. Industry partnership on the horizon The next phase will expand beyond the tourism office itself, as Fayda plans to bring in tourism industry professionals from across Morocco through the National Tourism Confederation. Together, they'll develop a comprehensive strategy that the entire sector can rally behind, departing from top-down planning. Morocco's tourism leadership wants to tap into expertise from hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and other businesses that deal with visitors daily. The comprehensive staff meeting represents Morocco's recognition that successful tourism development requires more than marketing campaigns and infrastructure projects. It demands organizations that can execute effectively and adapt quickly to changing conditions in the global travel market. Tags: Morocco TourismNational Tourism Office (ONMT)ONMTTourism
Morocco World
01-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
ONMT, China Eastern Airlines Sign Agreement to Boost Morocco's Appeal in Chinese Market
Rabat – The Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and the airline China Eastern Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday in Rabat, confirming the growing strategic importance of the Asian market in Morocco. Minister of Tourism Fatim Zahra Ammor, ONMT Director General Achraf Fayda and China Eastern Airlines President Wang Zhinqing chaired the signing ceremony. The partnership includes a marketing strategy as well as joining actions, press trips, and seeking to boost Morocco's appeal as a premier tourist destination in the Chinese market. The agreement also aims to optimize air connections to Morocco. The Minister of Tourism emphasized the importance of the partnership, stressing the country's ambition to position itself as an exceptional destination for travelers from across the world. 'With China Eastern, we are strengthening our presence in Asia and reaffirming our diversification strategy,' Ammor said. Fayda also highlighted the importance of the agreement, noting that the cooperation is based on a long-term, ambitious vision for tourism development. ONMT aims to attract at least one million Chinese tourists by 2030. 'His partnership with China Eastern reflects our ability to forge strategic alliances with major players in global air transport,' Fayda added, noting ONMT's commitment to opening Morocco to the most dynamic and demanding markets. The signing of the partnership follows China Eastern's launch of the Shanghai-Casablanca air route via Marseille in January 2025. In October, a direct route will also be launched with a frequency of three flights per week. With this new air route, Casablanca will be connected to China's main outbound tourism hub, in addition to the direct Beijing-Casablanca line operated by Royal Air Maroc. Tags: Business TourismChina
Morocco World
25-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Turkish Airlines Marks 20 Years in Morocco and Long-Standing ONMT Partnership
Casablanca – In a celebration blending elegance, hospitality, and ambition, Turkish Airlines marked 20 years of operations in Morocco last night with a high-profile event at the Four Seasons Hotel in Casablanca. What may have looked like an anniversary celebration was, in essence, the launch of a new chapter in Moroccan tourism. The national flag carrier of Turkiye, which began direct flights to Casablanca in March 2005 with four weekly routes, now connects Morocco to Istanbul through 7 weekly flights to Casablanca and 9 to Marrakech. The scale and success of this connection were evident not only in numbers but in tone, as the event featured heartfelt tributes, music, and most importantly a strategic alliance with the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT). 'We are very excited today to celebrate this event with our partners, with our agencies, and with the representatives of tourism in Morocco,' said Sayfullah Ilyas, General Manager of Turkish Airlines Casablanca, in an interview with Morocco World News. 'It's a great pleasure for us to be a representative in Morocco. We want to extend our operations here, and therefore we signed this partnership with ONMT today. With their support, we will promote Morocco more through our international channels.' With this new, mutually beneficial agreement, Turkish Airlines and ONMT aim to strengthen cooperation and elevate Morocco's visibility on a global scale. This includes joint campaigns, collaborative projects, and sustained partnerships to drive tourism growth and diversify Morocco's tourist source markets. For Achraf Fayda, Director General of ONMT, the partnership couldn't be more timely. 'Exactly the type of partnership Morocco and Turkiye need,' he said, pointing to Istanbul's status as a global hub and its value in creating new development basins outside Europe. '80% of tourists visiting Morocco still come from Europe.' Indeed, the numbers speak volumes. Morocco welcomed 17.4 million tourists in 2024, with projections of 26 million by 2030. Meanwhile, Moroccan airports served 32 million passengers in 2024, with 70 million projected by the end of the decade, a leap that positions aviation and tourism as core pillars of Morocco's development strategy, particularly ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2030. 'We made the right choice,' Fayda said. 'This is a long-term partnership.' At the heart of the event, both literally and symbolically, was the legacy of Ibn Battuta – the Moroccan explorer whose journeys embody Turkish Airlines' marketing campaign slogan: 'Widen Your World.' Ilyas reminded guests of the explorer's admiration for Turkish hospitality, saying, 'Ibn Battuta once thought God gathered all the world's beauty in one place.' But, it was Morocco that inspired his journey. 'What pushed Ibn Battuta to discover the world?' Ilyas asked, 'It was the beauty of Morocco, the one place where you can experience six or seven countries in one.' That sentiment now lives on in action. To celebrate its 20th anniversary in Morocco, Turkish Airlines launched a 20% discount campaign covering 150+ destinations in 20 countries, and a 15% discount for over 50,000 Moroccans living in Turkiye returning home. The airline also announced a giveaway of 20 free tickets to destinations once visited by Ibn Battuta on their social media. Hikmet Mesut Turkseven, Turkish Airlines Vice President for Africa, added context to the airline's broader strategy: 'Turkish Airlines connects cultures, enterprises, and families… Casablanca is a critical point between Europe, Asia, and Africa.' The airline now flies to 353 destinations in 131 countries and is eyeing expansion to a fleet of 813 aircraft, aiming to serve 171 million passengers annually by 2033. That scale brings weight. Mustafa Ilker Kilic, Turkiye's ambassador to Morocco, highlighted how 250,000 Moroccans visited Turkiye last year, while 60,000 Turks visited Morocco. He also reaffirmed the diplomatic and cultural ties between both nations, noting Turkiye's involvement in cultural events like the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music. Still, global tensions are rising. In response to ongoing flight disruptions, Ilyas reassured Moroccan passengers: 'We will continue our Casablanca and Marrakesh flights as usual. There is no cancellation for now. But we recommend passengers stay updated through our social media and official website.' The evening concluded with Turkish music, and a musical performance by Moroccan pop star Douzi, alongside a tombola where seven lucky attendees won various prizes. It was the perfect end to a night that not only celebrated the past but hinted at a more connected and collaborative future. For Morocco, this celebration wasn't just about Turkish Airlines, it was about growth, positioning, and the power of strategic partnerships to redefine a nation's touristic aspirations. Tags: flight travelMorocco travelONMTTurkish AirlinesTurkish travel
Morocco World
23-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Wego, ONMT Launch Campaign to Boost Summer Tourism to Morocco Across MENA
Rabat – Wego, the largest online travel platform in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), has partnered with the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) to launch a campaign encouraging travelers from across the region to visit Morocco this summer. The partnership aims to 'inspire a new wave of travel to Morocco, focusing on the country's vibrant cities, coastal escapes, and natural landscapes,' said Wego in a press release today. The company emphasized Morocco's tourism potential and the rich mix of experiences it offers travelers. 'Whether it's discovering the colorful streets of Chefchaouen, relaxing along the beaches of Agadir, or exploring the highland trails of the Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers a diverse getaway that caters to a wide range of travel interests,' Wego added. The campaign will spotlight Morocco's unique mix of tradition and modern fun. It will feature local markets, historic buildings, and art scenes in cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Fez. Travelers will also be able to enjoy detailed guides, influencer content, and online promotions to help them plan their summer vacation to the North African country. Mamoun Hmidan, Chief Business Officer at Wego, said they are excited to work with ONMT and introduce their users to the 'richness Morocco has to offer.' 'Our goal is to make it easier for travelers to find meaningful experiences whether they're looking for adventure, history, or relaxation—through curated content and seamless travel planning,' Hmidan added. Meanwhile, Rachid Hamzaoui, Director for the Middle East and Asia at ONMT, said the campaign will help travelers from the Gulf and other parts of MENA discover Morocco more easily. 'With Wego's platform offering real-time comparisons and travel inspiration, discovering Morocco has never been more convenient,' Hamzaoui said. Food lovers are in for a treat too, Wego says, as the campaign will include guides to traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous, harira soup, and pastilla. Travelers will also be able to learn where to enjoy street food or dine on rooftops with amazing views. Coastal towns such as Essaouira and El Jadida will also be in the spotlight. The Moroccan tourism office has been stepping up its efforts to position Morocco as a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. In recent months, ONMT has focused on expanding Morocco's reach in key international markets, including China, where it has launched initiatives to attract more Chinese tourists. ONMT has launched similar campaigns targeting different regions to showcase Morocco's unique mix of culture, nature, and hospitality. Tags: MENAONMTTourismwego
