Morocco's Hotel Industry Looks to the Future

Following the positive results of "Vision 2010" and under the banner of "Vision 2020", King Mohammed VI aims to increase the number of tourists visiting Morocco to 18 million by the year 2020. Morocco is currently ranked as number 25 of the world's top tourist destinations and the King has noted that he would like to see the country in the top 20.

Relaxing in a Moroccan Hammam

While traveling in Morocco will enable you to experience numerous new sights and sounds, it can get very hot and dusty. Indeed, the desert dust seems to find its way into every nook and cranny and the heat just makes you tired and wary by the end of the day. You could return to your hotel for a cold shower – or you could make the most of your visit by enjoying a trip to a local hammam.

Rezidor Opening Resort & Spa in Tangier

The Rezidor Hotel Group has recently announced plans to open the Radisson Resort & Spa in Tangier, Morocco. True to form, the establishment will cater to every whim visitors might have, in a very stylish setting overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The move is part of ‘Plan Mada’in’, a strategy initiated by the King of Morocco to extend the eight existing tourist destinations in the country.

Saidia Welcomes Best Western and Hivernage Hotel Developments

Seen by many as a vote of confidence in Morocco’s growing tourism trade, leading tourism developer Property Logic revealed that two new resorts would be developed in Saidia – the Best Western Premier Le Jardin de Fleur and the Hivernage Resort & Spa Saidia. With its stunning white beaches, clear, calm waters and pristine natural landscapes, the coastal town of Saidia, fondly referred to as the “blue pearl of Morocco”, has long been a favorite holiday destination for both domestic and international tourists, with increasing numbers of holidaymakers choosing to spend their vacation time in these idyllic surroundings.

New Resort for Morocco

Morocco is one of the most exotic tourist destinations in the world. Its richness in tradition and culture makes it a preferred choice for international visitors and most who visit Morocco want to experience everything that the country has to offer. Soon, Marrakech will have a new form of accommodation to offer tourists, which incorporates the beauty, uniqueness and magnificence of the country, with style, luxury and relaxation. It has recently been announced that Fairmont Marrakech will be open for business by 2011.

Tinja – A New Development by Morocco Sands and Emaar

Moroccan Sands property investors have announced the launch of a new self-sustaining community development by Dubai-based Emaar Properties, one of the world’s prime real estate companies, specializing in value-added communities that meet the full spectrum of the home-owner’s lifestyle needs. The resort, to be named Tinja, will be situated outside Morocco’s bustling port city of Tangier.

Raffles Resort Comes to Marrakech

The Raffles Hotels and Resorts started in 1989 as a redevelopment project of the Raffles Hotel. By 1996 the establishment, owned by the leading hotel company Fairmont Raffles Hotels International Inc, had grown to develop resorts and hotels across the world. Known for their luxurious accommodation and services that are ranked in the top ten hotel brands in the world, and recipients of numerous awards, the Raffles Hotels and Resorts group are working towards expanding intp Morocco by 2009, with the construction of the Ruffles Resort Marrakech.

Enjoy Exploring Corniche d’Ain Diab

Casablanca is a city in Morocco with a rich and mysterious history. Its name alone conjures up romantic images. As is the case with many cities around the world, there is a district in Casablanca where the rich come out to play and the tourists line the streets enjoying the attractions and activities. Corniche d’Ain Diab is blanketed in picturesque ocean scenes, bustling streets, luxury hotels and resorts, and a vibrant energy of grandeur and style.

Simply Unwind at Oued Laou

Morocco is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for holiday-makers and adventure-seekers. This fascinating country has so much to offer, including the hustle and bustle of bigger cities, the exquisite serene beauty of the Sahara desert and the friendly atmosphere of smaller towns. There are also the charming remote villages, such as Oued Laou, which are only just starting to be discovered by visitors to Morocco.

Tourist Resort Developments in Southern Morocco

Morocco is a country of great diversity and exquisite beauty with a rich cultural heritage, making it a popular tourist destination. Recognizing the significant contribution that tourism makes to the country, the Ministry of Tourism in Morocco has initiated a strategy called “Vision 2010” with the goal of attracting ten million tourists per year by 2010. Part of this initiative is resort development in desert and oasis regions of Errachidia, Zagora and Ouarzazate in the south of Morocco.

Vacation at the Stunning Marina Smir

Based on the northern Mediterranean coast of Morocco, the Marina Smir is considered by many to be Morocco’s most fashionable marina and holiday resort. The coastal landscape along which the marina is situated includes many small bays and coves with green hills covered in wildflowers rising up from the beaches. Tourists with a pre-conceived idea of Morocco being an arid country are often surprised at how green this area is.

Escape to Essaouira

As you walk across the Place Moulay Hassan to grab a scoop of ice cream or croissant from the Patisserie Driss, you’d never know this town center, or any part of Essaouira experienced a rich influx of culture and history. Travelers have scuttled their feet in the sands of this timeless coastal city well before the seventh century when the Phoenicians constructed their farthest outpost here. Even the Portuguese built sarcophagus walls around the harbor and Mogador Island. And as recent as 1765, Sultan Sidi Abdellah captured a French architect from a French vessel to redesign the city to make it open to foreign traders. In the 1900s, Jewish settlers and families were welcomed. However, In the 1950s, as the French built Casablanca into its commercial center, Essaouira slipped into stagnation until the hippie and tourist boom of present.

Alternative Travel in Marrakech

Just when you thought that historical sites and gardens were all that Marrakech in Morocco had to offer, rest assured that plenty of alternative activities are available. We aren’t talking about taking the new tour bus or a classic carriage ride through town. What we are talking about is an alternative Marrakesh experience that will make your hotel stay and travels in Morocco all the more enjoyable and interesting – especially for those listening to your wayfarer tales back home.

Meknes – The Less Explored Environs

The surrounding green hills of Meknes in the springtime make it a pleasant place to explore, whether you are driving, taking public transport or even bicycling. The landscape of the area has been cultivated for hundreds of years and remains one of Morocco’s most fertile regions. The French new this when they started their famous wine vineyards. Hundreds, if not thousands, of vineyards remain, now controlled by one of the wealthiest men in Morocco – a humble Berber man who started out as a farmer in the fields.

The Art of Choosing a Riad in Marrakesh

Everyone who ventures across the big pond known as the Atlantic wants to stay in a Riad in Morocco. More than a hotel, a riad is an old-style Moroccan home that has been converted into a type of Bed & Breakfast establishment. While families do not run most modern riads, they do cater to tourists looking for a higher-quality, cultural, and even traditional experience. Two of the most popular places to stay in a traditional riad in Morocco are Fez and Marrakech. For our purposes, we are going to focus on Marrakech.

Rabat: Chellah Gardens and Oudayas Kasbah

Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, is a popular destination for tourists who want to see some of the country’s main sights. Rabat replaced Fez as the official capital of Morocco, and is now the official home to King Mohammed VI’s Royal Palace. This attraction is a major draw, and you can view parts of the palace’s courtyards from an outside vantage point, but get too close and the guard’s will shun any attempts.

Morocco's Sahara Tempest: The World Didn't Hear

Recently, the clouds accumulated in Morocco's southeastern corner. The houses of mud stood under the shadow of the sun's piercing rays. Even the villagers living in small oases towns, found on no map, stopped to stare at the sky. The areas of the Sahara Desert around Merzouga, on May 26, along with Erg Chebbi, thought to be the highest dune in Morocco and the world, were about to see more water than they had seen in nearly forty years.

Agadir - The Allure of Sunny Beaches

I point my face into the sun and feel a brief caress of dry heat whip over my brow, the phrase 'Welcome to Agadir' still echoing in my ears. Something about this city cast a spell on me and I keep coming back.

You can make it to Agadir from Essaouira in just over two hours. But take your time – no one’s in a hurry in this neck of the woods. The jaunt up the Atlantic coast spotlights some great scenery -- miles of undisturbed beaches, an occasional lighthouse and a mix of sand, mountain and greenery that seems to sprout up out of no where.

Marrakesh Morocco - The Marrakesh Express

You'd be hard pressed to visit Morocco and not include Marrakesh on your itinerary! Marrakesh is a city of mystery and wonder and unique sights and sounds. Along every narrow street, behind every sharp turn, there's a story to tell and a memory to be made! But don't be fooled. Marrakesh has re-invented itself; juggling the mysteries of its past with the realities of modern day tourism; to create a safe haven for those who want to enjoy a mix of history, culture, shopping and relaxation. Marrakesh offers a well thought out infrastructure of hotels and restaurants, framed within an atmosphere of hospitality that continues to work its magic on visitors from all parts of the world.