Morocco and the World Tourism Organization have renewed their commitment to holding the 24th General Assembly of the Organization in Marrakesh during the fourth quarter of 2021.
The two sides signed on Wednesday in Rabat a joint pledge to organize this global event as planned despite Covid-19. The commitment was signed by minister of tourism Nadia Fettah Alaoui and visiting Secretary General of UNWTO Zurab Pololikashvili.
Speaking on this occasion, Mrs. Nadia Fettah underlined Morocco’s full mobilization in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure success to the Marrakesh international tourism gathering.
Mr.Pololikashvili said the 24th GA of the UN Specialized agency will be a historic event, affirming that the UNWTO will spare no effort to make it one of the most successful post-covid global events.
The Marrakesh meeting will be an opportunity to discuss the future of the tourism sector which has been hard hit by the global health crisis, the challenges facing the tourism industry and stimulus strategies.
Talks between the Moroccan minister and the UNWTO chief focused on preparations for the Marrakesh event and the situation of the Moroccan tourism sector.
Pololikashvili, who also met head of the Government Saad Eddine El Othmani and Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, reiterated the support of the UNWTO for Morocco especially in the very difficult times of the pandemic, with the launch of interesting projects, while paying particular attention to the education/training sector.
He said Morocco is well positioned to help other African countries unlock their tourism potential.
“This morning we signed an agreement through which Morocco was chosen to organize the WTO General Assembly in October 2021 in Marrakech and we hope that the kingdom can join the Executive Council of the world body to help us develop tourism in Africa,” Pololikashvili said at a press briefing, highlighting Morocco’s leadership and tourism capacities and resources.
Touching on the impact of the pandemic on international tourism, the Georgian official said “recovery is only possible with the advancement of vaccination.” “It is difficult to say when this recovery will take shape, as it is difficult to envisage it now. The borders are closed by 80% of the countries. We must increase the rate of vaccination,” said Pololikashvili.
The General Assembly of WTO is the most important global meeting of senior tourism officials and high-level representatives of the private sector.
Morocco had won its bid of hosting the 24th GA of this organization during its meeting convened in September 2019 in St. Petersburg, Russia. This victory shows the trust the North African Kingdom enjoys on the international scene due to its stability and sustainable development. It is also a global recognition of the country’s tourism strategy which makes the sector as a driver for job creation and inclusive economic growth.