Aziz Lebbar Calls for Strategic Projects to Enhance Tourism Appeal in the Fez-Meknes Region

During the monthly public session for oral questions directed at the Prime Minister on Monday, January 27, 2025, Aziz Lebbar, a parliamentarian from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), delivered an impactful speech focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing Morocco’s tourism sector. Lebbar emphasized tourism as a cornerstone of the national economy, highlighting its significant role in generating foreign currency, creating jobs, and enhancing Morocco’s image as a global tourist destination.

Lebbar shed light on Morocco’s robust infrastructure, which is a critical factor in attracting tourists. He noted that Morocco ranks second in Africa for its highway network and boasts an advanced railway system, crowned by the high-speed train service, “Al-Boraq.” He also pointed out Morocco’s leadership in the African Global Maritime Connectivity Index, thanks to its world-class ports and airports.

The parliamentarian discussed the unprecedented revival of the tourism sector over the past four years, attributing it to two key factors: overcoming the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Moroccan national football team’s historic performance at the Qatar World Cup, which significantly boosted interest in Morocco as a tourist destination. He called on the government to adopt innovative solutions to enhance the sector’s competitiveness, especially in light of fierce regional and global competition.

Lebbar urged the development of tourism infrastructure, including urban and intercity transportation, as well as the modernization of airports and ports to handle the anticipated surge in tourist numbers. He also highlighted the importance of affordable air travel connections between domestic cities to encourage both domestic and international tourism. Additionally, he proposed simplifying the visa process by adopting a single visa upon departure from Morocco to facilitate tourist flows and improve their overall experience.

Lebbar also addressed the challenges facing the Fez-Meknes region, emphasizing the urgent need to construct a highway connecting the region directly to the Tangier Med port and a high-speed train line linking the region to major economic hubs. He argued that these projects are essential for enhancing the region’s tourism appeal and fostering local development.

In his closing remarks, Lebbar commended the vital role of Morocco’s security forces, judicial authorities, and administrative bodies in maintaining the nation’s safety and stability, which are pivotal in attracting tourists. He called on the government to accelerate the implementation of tourism strategies and bolster investment in the sector, focusing on human resource development and service quality. Lebbar stressed that these efforts are essential to realizing a comprehensive and ambitious vision aligned with the aspirations of King Mohammed VI, further solidifying Morocco’s position as a leading regional and international tourist destination.

source: fesnews media

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