In April 1994, Marrakesh became a landmark for the global economic community as the most famous of Moroccan cities hosted the final rounds of the GATT Conference. It was in this city’s main convention complex known as Palais des Congrés- an 8600 seat venue- that the World Trade Organization was born.
This event has confirmed Morocco as a country that is capable of hosting, organizing secure and successful regional, continental, and international meetings, seminars, conferences; and conventions. In addition, the phenomenal success of the GATT Conference only came to reinforce the will of the policy makers as well as public and private investors to promote what was then a new and additional orientation of the tourism industry in the country.
Since then, and to our day, more than twenty world class major conference centers and convention complexes have been developed around the country. In order to meet the expectations of organizers and participants who wish to combine business and leisure these venues have been built within hotel or resort complexes. They are located not only in the country’s main cities such as Rabat the capital city and Casablanca the economic center; they are also available in both inland in magnificent locations and historical cities as well as along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts in seaside resorts.
To make access to all these locations easy and comfortable existing airports have been extended and new ones have been built. The highways network has been extended and improved to shorten distances between cities, but also between airports and city centers. Moreover, a large number of transportation companies have aggregated a large and varied fleet of vehicles of all categories and sizes to add to the comfort of delegates and participants attending all kind of events. All conventions and congresses centers along with several professional companies provide more than the needed modern audio-visual equipment, broadband Wi-Fi Internet, copy centers, etc… Security has always been professionally and efficaciously ensured both by private companies and the National Security authorities from beginning to end of each event disregarding its duration both inside and outside the venues.
To name only a few of those who were happy to confidently choose Morocco as a peaceful enchanting setting for various events one can mention major automotive companies that celebrated the launching of new car models (BMW, OPEL, RENAULT, RANGE ROVER), corporate giants that hold their yearly seminars (Lagardère Holding, L’Oréal, Pfizer), professional organizations that enjoyed their conventions (Hotel International Conference, FIA, Global Summit of Women, World Seafood Congress, International Citrus Congress, FIFA); governmental and non-governmental organizations (NATO, Mediterranean Dialogue, Interpol, Meda Water International Conference, WEEC, African Development Bank).
Inevitably at the end of every event, including international governmental meetings of the highest levels, the participants would acknowledge and praise the proximity of the country to many of the world regions, the efficiency of professional organizers and staff, the good quality of services and accommodation, the diverse leisure activities proposed, the exquisite food and varied food served. Most of all, they highly appreciate the innate sense of hospitality and friendliness of the welcoming population.