Fatima Zahra Amour: Morocco Places Sustainable Tourism at the Heart of Its Development Strategy
Fatima Zahra Amour, the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social Economy, and Solidarity, confirmed on Wednesday in Ifrane.
During her speech at the opening of an international conference on sustainable tourism, themed “What are the prospects for green tourism?”, the minister emphasized that the kingdom, which receives over 17 million visitors annually, must combine attractiveness with environmental responsibility.
She highlighted that the city of Ifrane represents a model for this challenge, maintaining its authenticity and environment while enhancing its appeal.
Amour noted that global tourism underwent profound transformations post-pandemic, with travelers increasingly seeking authenticity, sustainability, and cultural diversity. In this context, the percentage of tourists opting for sustainable experiences in Morocco rose from 5% in 2019 to 10% in 2024.
She also underscored the positive impact of these experiences on local communities by creating job opportunities in hospitality, mountain lodges, and women’s cooperatives, reminding of the incentives provided by the new investment charter and the law regulating tourist accommodation, which introduced new forms such as family lodging.
Among the structural programs mentioned was the “GO SIYAHA” initiative, which funds up to 40% of sustainable projects and has already supported over 200 initiatives, including 40 projects in solar energy and energy efficiency. She pointed out the rural tourism program with a budget of 200 million dirhams, aimed at promoting 16 rural destinations.
Regarding the city of Ifrane, Amour highlighted the rehabilitation project of the national park included in the tourism roadmap, which mobilizes public investments of up to 640 million dirhams and 93 million dirhams from the private sector. The project includes eco-friendly tourist accommodations and a diverse range of sports and recreational activities, aimed at making Ifrane a model for sustainable tourism.
The minister affirmed that Morocco, under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, places sustainable development and renewable energies at the core of its priorities, reiterating the goal of reaching 26 million tourists by 2030 within a responsible and balanced model.
This conference was organized by the Moroccan Company for Tourism Engineering (SMIT), in partnership with the Regional Investment Center of Fez-Meknes and the National Agency for Water and Forests, gathering over 150 experts, investors, and stakeholders in the sector, serving as a platform for public-private dialogue to accelerate the transition towards more inclusive and sustainable tourism.
