Tourism: The Oriental at the Heart of the ONMT’s New Strategy
Long overlooked compared to the major tourist destinations in Morocco, the Oriental region is gradually establishing itself as a new development axis. The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) is ramping up initiatives to showcase the potential of this still underutilized territory.
Une région aux atouts encore peu valorisés
With its Mediterranean coastline, mountainous hinterland, and rich cultural heritage, Oriental boasts a variety of tourist resources. However, this diversity has yet to translate into significant tourist traffic, largely due to a lack of visibility and connectivity. It is precisely on these fronts that the ONMT intends to act, repositioning the region within national and international tourist circuits.
Connectivité et promotion en ligne de mire
Improving accessibility is a top priority. The ONMT aims to strengthen air links and establish partnerships with transportation operators to facilitate access to cities such as Oujda, Nador, and Saïdia. Concurrently, targeted promotional campaigns are being rolled out to raise awareness of the destination among both foreign tourists and the domestic market.
Un tourisme plus diversifié et durable
Beyond beach tourism, the strategy aims to diversify the tourism offering. Emphasis is placed on ecotourism, cultural tourism, and local experiences, aligning with the new expectations of travelers seeking authenticity. This direction also adheres to sustainability principles, aiming to enhance local resources while preserving environmental balances.
Un levier pour le développement régional
By supporting the tourism growth of Oriental, the ONMT contributes to a broader dynamics of territorial development. Tourism is seen as a driver for job creation and economic revitalization within the region. Ultimately, the ambition is clear: to position Oriental as a standalone destination capable of complementing Morocco’s tourism offerings and capturing an increasing share of visitor traffic.
