Rabat: Morocco aims to attract 2.3 million visitors in the business and conference tourism segment (MICE – Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) by 2030, Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy Fatim-Zahra Ammor said on Tuesday before the House of Councillors.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Ammor stressed that business tourism occupies a central place in Morocco’s tourism roadmap, with an entire thematic sector dedicated to it in view of its role in promoting destinations, generating high added value, and reducing the seasonality of tourism activity. She noted that this segment has experienced significant growth in recent years and attracted substantial investments across several cities in the Kingdom. Morocco’s current capacity dedicated to business and conference tourism stands at 135,000 seats, distributed across various cities.

In this regard, Ammor announced that a new convention center with a capacity of 5,000 seats will open in Agadir by the end of 2026. She also revealed that a world-class convention center with a capacity of 20,000 seats is currently under development in Marrakech. According to the minister, this infrastructure will help position the city among the world’s top ten business tourism destinations.

Regarding Casablanca, Ammor indicated that a convention center project is being studied with a view to 2030, noting that discussions concerning the site selection and necessary partnerships are still underway. The minister further announced the signing of an agreement for the construction of an exhibition center in Rabat, representing an investment of MAD 700 million jointly financed by the ministry and regional local authorities.

Ammor emphasized that infrastructure projects dedicated to business and conference tourism require considerable time to secure financing, mobilize investments, and complete construction works. She reaffirmed the ministry’s readiness to examine and support any proposals aimed at developing this segment in regions that possess the necessary assets and potential.