While the world continues to grapple with the consequences of the pandemic and some locations experience quite severe second or even third waves, certain hospitality players seem to be unfazed by the business shortcomings and keep looking ahead for a brighter future.
Morocco’s hospitality scene seems to be a prime example. Having experienced a rapid increase in tourist arrivals over the past few years, Morocco continues to be the location of choice for many owners and operators. The country boasts nine projects scheduled for launching by the end of 2020, bringing 1,851 new rooms into the market. The next year looks just as promising with 12 hotels and over 1,800 keys. A closer look at the pipeline suggests a strong bias towards the luxury sector, with 25 out of the total of 35 properties on the books pertaining to the 5-star segment with the remaining assets falling into the 4-star category. This data is in line the country’s plans to turn itself into one of the most luxurious North African destinations, on par with or even better than the famous Egyptian all-inclusive resorts.
As to the brands expanding into the market, Marriott Hotels & Resorts leads the way with 610 keys split among two properties, while The Ritz-Carlton Hotels and Barceló are not far behind with 500 and 486 rooms respectively. Some of the projects worth mentioning include a huge 2,500-unit Marina Resort Chbika, which is unfortunately on hold at the moment, and a 300-room Ritz-Carlton Tamuda Bay, offering its guests an 18-hole golf course, a bird sanctuary and even a small dam that is responsible for creating a freshwater lake with multiple shopping, entertainment and relaxation venues on its shores.
Apart from these, Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé deserves everyone’s attention, as it benefits from the triple water frontage and astonishing views, and provides its clients with easy access to key heritage sites in Rabat such as Kasbat Oudayas, Tour Hassan as well as the Hassan district. Last but not least, Park Hyatt Marrakech, a part of the new Al Maaden Development, is designed to offer guests and residents luxurious rooms with a spectacular view of the Atlas Mountains.
Hopefully, the much-anticipated global recovery of the hospitality industry, coupled with safe, yet not economically disastrous governmental regulations will allow for these and many more beautiful and unique properties come to life, not only in Africa but in the rest of the world as well.