Morocco's Hospitality Industry
From International Business Wiki
Hospitality of Morocco - During the 21st century, Morocco has experienced revitalization in terms of hospitality in the hotels and entertainment industries. Morocco in the past century has not only transformed in the past century to western behaviors, the west itself has embraced the country as one of the foremost destinations in Africa along with Egypt and South Africa. The most notable cities are Fez, Marrakech, Tangier, and of course, Casablanca. Many of which will be discussed in depth.
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[edit] Hospitality
In the past 10 years, many high end hotels have emerged throughout these cities providing tourism and continual expansion.
[edit] Casablanca
Beginning with arguably Morocco’s most famous city, Casablanca has had many western hotels establish themselves throughout the city such as the Hyatt Regency, Ramada, and the Sheraton. Not only that, the 1942 film Casablanca (Considered by many to be among the greatest motion pictures of all time) inspired an actual, modern day “Rick's Café” created by American woman Kathy Kriger, further emphasizing the westernization of many of Morocco’s most popular cities. From their website, “Rick's Cafe, the mythical saloon from the 1942 film "Casablanca" has finally been transformed from celluloid to wood, glass and plaster thanks to the imagination and determination of an American woman enamoured of Morocco, Kathy Kriger.” (On a side note, the actual Rick's Café from the movie was built in a studio in Hollywood, California).
[edit] Tangier
Tangier is becoming more and more an affluent destination with new resorts and luxury hotels manifesting on the Atlantic coast. The Inter-Continental and Rembrandt have all established hotels catering to the business clientele. However, among the most outstanding is the new Al Houara Resort. Echoing influence from the Dubai man-made Palm Islands, this $600 Million development is “a spectacular, world class Atlantic resort that blends Moroccan culture with European sophistication.” High end real estate has even been spotted by luxury western realtors such as Christie’s Great Estates and Sotheby’s realty selling beautiful villas and homes throughout Casablanca, Marrakech, and Tangier.
[edit] Marrakech
German hotel chain Kempinski is one of the highest end hotels in Marrakech, although now just recently bought by Mansour Eddahbi.
[edit] Entertainment
Western Entertainment cinema has embraced Morocco for scenes in a desert/middle eastern setting. Notable movies include Black Hawk Down, The Bourne Ultimatum, Babel, and Kingdom of Heaven.
Among one of the most famous contemporary events, a car rally, the Gumball 3000 Rally toured through the cities of Marbella, Tangier, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, and Allemeria respectively in 2004. Diplomatic immunity was granted by the King of Morocco as the drivers raced through the cities with no speed limit. They then spent the night at the Kempinski hotel in Marrakech watching entertainment of 1001 Arabian Nights.
Despite the Westernization, Morocco still stays true to its old culture. Walking through the streets of Fez and Marrakech, one can still witness snake charmers, dancers, and acrobatics performing.
[edit] External links
Rick's Café
http://www.rickscafe.ma/
CIA. The World Factbook. 31, October, 2007
Al Houara resort in Tangier http://www.ameinfo.com/122370.html http://www.alhouararesort.com/ http://www.insight-morocco.co.uk/tangier-property.html
Gumball 3000 http://www.gumball3000.com/
Morocco since 1830. C.R. Pennell. New York University Press, Washington Square, New York, Copyright: 2000
Marrakech, The Red City. Edited by Barnaby Rogerson and Stephen Lavington. Sickle Moon Books. 2003
