Warzazat is racing against time to attract Belgian tourists and investors
Warzazat is intensifying its promotional efforts and accelerating its steps to enhance its position as a distinguished tourist and investment destination. Recently, the Regional Tourism Council of Warzazat welcomed François de Vrie, the General Delegate of the Brussels-Capital Region at the Belgian Embassy in Rabat. This meeting, held at the council’s headquarters, was part of the increasing dynamics to strengthen economic and tourism relations between Morocco and Belgium.
During the meeting, Iman Saber, president of the Regional Tourism Council, praised the national reforms that have allowed Morocco to establish itself as an attractive destination internationally. She affirmed the readiness of local authorities to support any future investment projects from Belgian actors, particularly in sustainable tourism, cultural industries, and vocational training in the hospitality sector.
This visit presented an opportunity to highlight Morocco’s growing appeal to foreign investors, especially in the tourism sector. The advantages of the new investment charter and the supportive mechanisms for tourism investment were showcased, along with the local efforts in Warzazat to enhance tourism offerings, air connectivity, and the business climate.
The Belgian official commended the clarity of Morocco’s strategic vision and the quality of the structured projects launched in the southern part of the kingdom. He expressed his interest in boosting economic cooperation through innovative projects with strong local impacts. The possibility of establishing partnerships in training and sustainable tourism was discussed, and both sides agreed to continue their dialogue to activate these shared visions.
This initiative comes in a stimulating national context, wherein Morocco aims, through the new investment charter and programs such as “Cap Hospitality” and “Co Tourism,” to welcome 26 million tourists by 2030 and achieve tourism revenues of up to 120 billion dirhams by 2026. This ambition is accompanied by the development of airport infrastructure and the enhancement of the Royal Air Maroc fleet.
Similarly, the Belgian market has seen a noticeable recovery after years of stagnation between 2013 and 2019, with 2024 witnessing over 274,000 Belgian visitors, marking a 59% increase compared to pre-COVID-19 figures, thanks to improved air connectivity and intensive promotional campaigns organized by the Moroccan National Tourist Office.
Despite Warzazat still being relatively unknown to many Belgian tourists, it boasts unique tourism potentials, serving as a gateway to the desert, with stunning natural landscapes, historically classified kasbahs, global film studios, and a developed hotel infrastructure. Local stakeholders hope to establish a direct flight between Brussels and Warzazat to enhance connectivity with the European market.
The primary objective of the Regional Tourism Council remains clear: to make Warzazat a preferred destination for Belgian tourists through tailored tourism offerings, dedicated investment support, and a strong presence in targeted markets. The partnership with Belgian institutions is seen as a strategic opportunity to drive local development and expand the city’s international reach.
By 2030, Morocco aims to double the number of Belgian tourists to 500,000 annually, relying on a comprehensive vision that combines innovation, sustainability, and international partnerships. The visit of François de Vrie to Warzazat is a tangible step towards building a robust and inclusive tourism model that achieves joint added value for both sides.
