Casablanca Accelerates Its Convention Center Project to Become a Business Tourism Destination
Sure, here is the translated article:
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Casablanca aims to elevate its business tourism sector with the establishment of a convention center and an exhibition park, a strategic project expected to be finalized by the end of 2026 with an operational launch projected for 2030.
The announcement was made by Abdellatif Maâzouz, president of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, during the fourth edition of the Interactive Tourism Forum, focused on the levers for developing urban tourism (City Break) and business tourism (MICE).
A Strategic Location Under Consideration
The future convention center is set to be located in a strategic area to enhance accessibility. Currently, the options being considered include a site between Mohammed V Airport and the city center, in the province of Nouaceur, or a location that connects the northern and southern parts of Casablanca.
The final decision on the location is expected to be made before the year’s end to enable the operational launch of the project.
An Investment of 1.5 Billion Dirhams
Included in the Regional Development Plan (PDR) 2022-2027, this project represents a planned investment of 1.5 billion dirhams, with 200 million dirhams being allocated by the Casablanca-Settat region.
The objective is to equip the metropolis with an infrastructure capable of hosting large conventions, trade fairs, and international events, thereby enhancing its competitiveness in the business tourism market.
Tapping into the Global MICE Tourism Market
Industry professionals believe Casablanca possesses numerous advantages to become a leading destination in the MICE segment (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), which is projected to grow by nearly 6% annually on a global scale.
Despite being the Kingdom’s primary economic region, Casablanca-Settat currently lags behind in tourism. The region ranks third nationally in overnight stays, trailing Marrakech-Safi and Souss-Massa, with a market share of about 10%.
According to sector stakeholders, the creation of a convention center is a critical leverage point for attracting more international congresses, professional events, and high-value visitors.
Transforming Casablanca into a Tourist Destination
During the forum, several officials called for accelerating the implementation of projects aimed at enhancing the city’s tourism appeal.
Othmane Cherif Alami, president of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Tourism Council, asserted that the region has all the necessary assets to become a major tourist destination, backed by its economic, cultural, and human potential. He emphasized the need to transition from thought to action to realize the area’s ambitions.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Jouahri, General Director of Casablanca Events & Animation, highlighted the existing infrastructure, quality hotel offerings, air connectivity, and the city’s vibrant event scene, considering these factors as a solid foundation for developing business tourism.
A Strategic Challenge Ahead of the 2030 World Cup
Several experts believe that the major international events Morocco will host in the coming years, particularly the 2030 World Cup, present a unique opportunity to reposition Casablanca on the global tourism map.
Former Minister Driss Benhima asserts that the convention center is essential for Casablanca to join the international network of conference cities and to better capitalize on its economic weight.
According to him, visitors attending conferences generally incur significantly higher expenditures than traditional tourists, making business tourism a powerful driver for regional economic growth.
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This translation captures the essence, tone, and intent of the original French article while ensuring linguistic accuracy and fluency.
