Abta has announced that next year’s convention will be held in Marrakech.
Hosted by the Moroccan National Tourist Office and taking place between October 5-7 at the Palmeraie Resorts, it will be the second time Abta’s Travel Convention has been held in the Moroccan city.
The business sessions will take place at the Palmeraie Convention Center and all delegates will stay at five-star properties the Palmeraie Palace Hotel and Hotel Du Golf. The welcome and farewell parties will take place at The Beldi Country Club and the Selman.
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Registrations will open in early 2020 and delegates will be able to travel directly and indirectly to Marrakech from nine airports in the UK on services from seven airlines, with direct economy flights starting from £152 and in-direct economy flights from £133.
The number of UK visitors to Morocco has steadily increased over the past five years with stats from the Office for National Statistics showing more than 630,000 holiday visits to the country last year, up from 460,000 in 2014 – an increase of 30%.
Mark Tanzer, Abta’s chief executive, said: “I’m very pleased that Marrakech will be hosting the 2020 Travel Convention.
“It is a city which continues to prove incredibly popular with UK holidaymakers, providing them with an opportunity to experience a culture steeped in history, as well as enjoying the spectacular scenery, cuisine and hospitality.
“I would like to thank the hosts for making it possible to hold next year’s Convention in this unique city once again and I encourage delegates to reserve their place at the earliest opportunity to join us for what is sure to be another fantastic event.”
Adel EL Fakir, chief executive of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, said: “We are very proud to host Abta’s Travel Convention in Marrakech in 2020 for the second time.
“Marrakech is hosting the IGTM next week, and the UNWTO in 2021. Marrakesh and Morocco are thrilled to host in the middle of these two events another prestigious event: The 2020 Travel Convention, organised by Abta.
“UK is Morocco’s third largest market, and we strongly believe that Morocco should and will attract more and more tourists from the UK as Morocco is many destinations in one and can meet all different needs.
“Abtas Convention will be the opportunity for the UK travel industry to experience the destination and have a better sense of all the genuine experiences they can provide to their customers.
“While Marrakech has witnessed major developments and change since ABTA’s Convention in 2005, it has managed to keep and protect its uniqueness in the region and in the world: an authentic experience delivered by its people, the marrakshis who are excited to welcome you in October 2020.”