Marrakech at the time of the 2nd Arab Forum for Tourism Development

The challenges of tourism development in the main Arab, cultural and heritage tourist destinations were at the heart of the 2nd edition of the Arab Forum for Tourism Development, held on Monday in Marrakech.

Placed under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, this meeting aims to exchange experiences and discuss the latest trends in the development of cultural and heritage tourism in the Arab world, in order to contribute to the development of an Arab marketing and promotion strategy that is in phase with growing tourist demand.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Nasser Al-Hatlan Al-Qahtani, Director General of the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO) under the Arab League, stressed that this forum aims to shed light on how to ensure a balance between the preservation of historical sites and the promotion of tourism, reports MAP.

Mr. Al-Qahtani also emphasised the importance of preserving the historical and religious character of Arab heritage destinations, explaining that holding this event in Marrakech reflects Morocco's commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening Arab cooperation in the field of tourism.

For her part, the President of the Marrakech Communal Council, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, indicated that this major forum, which brings together a plethora of experts and specialists from various Arab countries, is intended to be a space for the exchange of knowledge and experience, and represents a platform for strengthening Arab cooperation in this sector, which constitutes an "essential pillar for the development of the local and Arab economy".

This meeting also offers the opportunity for interaction between experts and decision-makers, with a view to strengthening tourism experiences, establishing partnerships, launching strategic initiatives and proposing new visions capable of contributing to the sustainable development of Arab cultural and heritage destinations, she added in a speech read on her behalf.

In this vein, Ms. El Mansouri insisted on the importance of using new technologies, modern techniques and digital marketing to accelerate the development of tourism, while ensuring the preservation of the authenticity of the heritage and the cultural and social environment, in order to contribute to the development of tourism in Arab countries.

On the agenda for this meeting were sessions dealing with various themes: "Tourism marketing and promotion strategies", "The marketing strategy for the intangible heritage of the Marrakech-Safi region", "The role of international tourism in the development of heritage cities, Marrakech and Morocco, as models", "Intangible heritage and the magic of history", "Heritage and Islamic civilisation in Egypt and Morocco", "The Jemaa El Fna experience", "The uniqueness of Marrakech's architecture and tourist attractiveness", "How to face the challenges of the degradation of tourist sites in the Arab world through artificial intelligence" and "Strengthening the role of international exhibitions and conferences in the development of Arab tourism".

Initiated by ARADO, in partnership with the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, the Marrakech Communal Council and the Regional Tourism Council (CRT), as part of the "Marrakech, Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2024" event, this forum saw the participation of delegations from various Arab countries and institutions concerned with this vital sector.

The programme of the 2nd Arab Forum for Tourism Development also included visits to historical monuments in the Ochre City.