Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism has launched an acceleration plan to position Ouarzazate as a leading sustainable cultural tourist destination mobilising MAD 820 million, about $75 million under the 2023 - 2026 roadmap to develop cultural attractions, upgrade hotel capacity and improving air connectivity.
Ouarzazate is a city south of Morocco’ Atlas mountains boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage, known as a gateway to the Sahara Desert, the historic city is one of the top places to visit in the country, highlighted by the huge Taourirt Kasbah, home to a stunning 19th - century palace, has views over the rugged local landscape, which features in several movies.
Northeast of Ouarzazate is the rocky Todra Gorge, a natural oasis carved in limestone by the River Todra, consisting in a series of river canyons or wadi, in the eastern part of the High Atlas mountains, located along a road winds southeast through the Draa Valley’s lush palm grove to the desert that connects Marrakech to Merzouga.
Cultural upgrades by year - end include new spaces at Kasbah of Taourirt Square, a large historic fortified complex built in the 17th century, significantly expanded in the 19th century by the powerful Glaoui family, who used it to control Saharan trade routes. It is a prominent example of Moroccan - Berber architecture, developed with traditional mud - brick and rammed earth construction, representing a major tourist attraction featuring a maze of very attractive courtyards, picturesque alleys, and well - preserved sections with intricate decorations.
A further development slated open in the second half of 2026 involve exhibition squares at the UNESCO - listed Ksar Aït Benhaddou, an old village situated on a hill next to the Ounila River formed by a group of earthen buildings surrounded by high walls reinforced by angle towers.
Located along the former caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara in Ouarzazate province, this traditional pre - Saharian habitat represents a striking example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture considered the most famous ksar in the Ounila Valley.
Part of the plan is also the hotel rehabilitation programme which has secured new operators for nine strategic properties and aims to add nearly 1.800 new beds, alongside a standards - compliance operation across 75 establishments and early outcomes include two hotel reopening.
In addition the Go Siyaha programme, designed to support tourism businesses in Morocco by strengthening their competitiveness is backing 35 regional projects ranging from authentic lodging to immersive cultural experiences.
The initiative also includes air connectivity improvements. Air capacity has risen 33% versus 2019, driven by a new Ouarzazate - London route and additional seats from France and Spain, with further routes under study.
Link
https://atta.travel/resource/morocco-launches-plan-to-boost-ouarzazate-cultural-tourism.html
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