This dynamic is embodied by the growth recorded in several economic sectors, including tourism, which undoubtedly remains a driver of the regional economy.
In this context, 2024 has been a record-breaking year, particularly regarding the number of overnight stays and arrivals in this part of the national territory.
The Marrakech-Safi region recorded, between January and October 2024, an 8 per cent increase in arrivals (3,045,177 visitors) and an 11 per cent increase in overnight stays (9,779,730 overnight stays) compared to 2023.
This growth reflects the strong appeal of key destinations such as Marrakech, Essaouira, and Al Haouz, where visitors often extend their stay, as evidenced by the 3 per cent increase in the average length of stay (from 3.13 days to 3.21 days).
Regarding investments, the region recorded outstanding performance between January and November of the current year.
Thanks to the effective implementation of the national strategy for private investment development, as well as efficient institutional support, the region stands out as a hub for economic, tourism, and industrial attraction.
Between January and November 2024, 635 new projects were approved, an increase of 51 per cent compared to 2023.
The investment volume for these projects amounts to approximately 93.4 billion dirhams, with 21,266 jobs expected to be created, an increase of 14 per cent compared to the same period last year.
This economic dynamic was accompanied by intense cultural activity, as the city of Marrakech and the provinces of the region hosted several major artistic events that attracted a large number of visitors, enlivened the artistic scene, and contributed to the prosperity of the tourism sector.
Throughout the year, the residents and visitors of the Red City lived to the rhythm of activities programmed as part of the "Marrakech, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024" events, which served as an occasion to showcase the richness of Marrakech, its cultural and intellectual influence, and the uniqueness of its tangible and intangible heritage.
The 53rd edition of the National Festival of Popular Arts also fulfilled all its promises, through a rich and varied programme that saw the participation of various popular arts from all regions of the Kingdom, highlighting this exceptional mosaic of Moroccan intangible heritage.
The same applies to the Marrakech International Film Festival, which celebrated its 21st anniversary this year, allowing cinema lovers to meet stars and film professionals from all over the world.
The programming of this major international event provided an opportunity to discover and explore highly diverse cinematic expressions. In total, 71 films from 32 countries were screened, divided into 6 sections, in various cinemas in Marrakech.
As a destination for major global economic events and meetings, Marrakech had the honour in 2024 of hosting the second edition of "GITEX Africa", the largest technology and startup exhibition on the continent.
This event, which serves as an ideal platform for promoting the work of innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises at the international level, embodied the Kingdom's firm desire to support technological innovation ecosystems.
The Red City also hosted the seventh edition of the International Air and Space Show "Marrakech Air Show 2024", considered one of the most important events in the aerospace industry globally, highlighting the growing importance Morocco has acquired in the global aerospace industry landscape.
This year, the exhibition saw the participation of 200 exhibitors and more than 75 official delegations, as well as spectacular air shows, in addition to a programme rich in high-level conferences that addressed emerging trends and current and future challenges of the sector.
Marrakech also hosted the fourth edition of the World Power-to-X Summit 2024, which aims to promote green hydrogen as a key lever for the energy transition in Morocco and internationally.
This event was an opportunity to highlight the "Morocco Offer" in the field of green hydrogen, which represents the Kingdom's commitment to accelerating the transition towards a decarbonised economy, as well as leveraging Morocco's natural resources and technological progress to become a global hub for the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives at competitive prices.
Over the years, the Kingdom has established its position as a preferred destination for hosting major sporting events and competitions, including African events.
The organisation of the "CAF Awards 2024" in Marrakech reflects once again the trust placed in the Kingdom by continental and international sports bodies.
On the occasion of this sporting event, the Red City welcomed football celebrities from the African continent to reward the players who distinguished themselves during 2024, whether at the national team or club level, as well as the best coaches and teams.
On the sidelines of the CAF Awards, the city of Marrakech also hosted the signing ceremony of an agreement to establish a FIFA office in Africa in Morocco.
This agreement, signed by the Head of Government, Aziz Akhannouch, the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, and the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, embodies the permanent commitment of the Kingdom of Morocco to the promotion of football and confirms the vital role of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation as a member of FIFA.
On another note, more than a year after the earthquake that struck several provinces of the region, the reconstruction and rehabilitation process in the affected areas continues at a sustainable pace, in implementation of the high directives of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
The implementation of the various components of the programme prepared to deal with the various repercussions of this natural disaster has recorded positive progress in several sectors and at several levels.
In this regard, a number of sectoral projects have been implemented, while others are nearing completion.
