Tourism: The Oriental at the Heart of the ONMT’s New Strategy
The Emerging Potential of the Oriental Region in Morocco
Once overshadowed by the Kingdom’s major tourist destinations, the Oriental region is gradually establishing itself as a new development axis. The Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT) is actively launching initiatives to enhance the potential of this still underutilized territory.
A Region with Untapped Assets
With its Mediterranean coastline, mountainous hinterland, and rich cultural heritage, the Oriental region boasts a wide array of tourist resources. However, this diversity has yet to translate into significant tourist traffic, primarily due to a lack of visibility and connectivity. It is precisely on these areas that the ONMT aims to focus, repositioning the region within national and international tourist circuits.
Connectivity and Online Promotion in Focus
Improving accessibility is a top priority. The ONMT is focusing on strengthening air connections and forming partnerships with transport operators to facilitate access to cities like Oujda, Nador, and Saïdia. Simultaneously, targeted promotional campaigns are being deployed to better showcase the destination to both foreign tourists and the domestic market.
A More Diverse and Sustainable Tourism Landscape
Beyond beach tourism, the strategy aims to diversify the tourist offerings. There is a strong emphasis on ecotourism, cultural tourism, and local experiences to meet the new expectations of travelers seeking authenticity. This direction is also aligned with sustainability goals, aiming to highlight local resources while preserving environmental balances.
A Lever for Regional Development
By supporting the growth of tourism in the Oriental region, the ONMT is contributing to a broader dynamic of territorial development. Tourism is seen as a driving force for job creation and economic revitalization in the region. In the long term, the ambition is clear: to establish the Oriental as a standalone destination capable of complementing Morocco’s tourism offerings and capturing an increasing share of visitor traffic.
