The seaside city, with its multiple vocations, is very popular with holidaymakers from all walks of life, particularly those from Casablanca who flock by the thousands to the beaches of Mohammedia, which stretch over more than 13 km. However, outside the summer season, there is a lack of activity for the rest of the year, and it does not meet with unanimous approval from visitors regarding its true potential. Hence the need for a real policy for the revival of the City of Flowers in all areas, by promoting leisure for better attractiveness. To do this, it is necessary to involve all the city's potential (authorities, elected officials, civil society, private sector, etc.) in the realisation of an effective strategy capable of developing interest in the Mohammedia destination. The solution undeniably lies in a thoughtful policy of promoting new and sustainable events capable of raising the seaside city to the rank of major tourist destinations. People who know Mohammedia remember with great nostalgia the golden age of recurring events that had given the city a particular appeal. It would seem that the lessons of the past have been learned, since efforts have been made to further animate the seaside city. Many events have been scheduled: a multi-faceted festival, a craft fair, a plant and flower exhibition, wall frescoes, fantasia, sporting events, exhibitions of local products, etc. These events have had a positive impact, because contrary to what one might think, festivals are a platform for reflection, peace and exchange. "The city of Mohammedia must not sell off its heritage wealth, nor turn its back on art, culture and entertainment, but it must value its potential and reflect on a tourist concept linked to current changes, its real needs and the specificities of its region," believes this association actor. Entertainment has a positive impact on the city's tourism development. Visitors are not only attracted by the sea and the sun, but also by other things, such as the history of the city, the lifestyle of its inhabitants and their culture, among others. The absence of a museum, the problem of the Abderrahim Bouabib theatre which has never been officially inaugurated, as well as the scarcity of exhibition galleries are all issues that will need to be addressed in order to save the Mohammedia destination. Efforts must extend to the creation of new hotel units, as well as the renovation of old accommodation establishments, without forgetting the realisation of recreational and sports projects in the Mohammedia region. The city, with its beaches, palm trees and greenery, has enormous potential that only needs to be exploited. Breaking with the reputation of an "industrial city": The City of Flowers cannot shake off its image as an industrial city generating various types of pollution. Consequently, tourism suffers greatly. The most worrying case is obviously the diversion of water currents after the extension work on the port jetty. Result: a strong erosion of the Monica and Mannesmann beaches, accompanied by silting up of the central beach. Solutions are needed for this phenomenon of degradation. To reposition Mohammedia in the tourism niche, it is also necessary to think about the rehabilitation of the Kasbah, a witness to a rich and ancestral civilisation, the old Medina and its ramparts, as well as its ancient architectural fabric. This historical heritage, which needs to be saved, is the legacy of time; it is its living memory. The rehabilitation of all the places steeped in history will restore all its lustre to the city to attract more tourists.
News 25 Aug 2014 3 min read
Need to value the city's potential

