Marrakech, often dubbed the “Red City,” has emerged as a prominent host for a multitude of international and high-profile events. Steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking beauty, this city has become a beacon, attracting global attention and dignitaries from various spheres. With its exotic allure and top-notch amenities, Marrakech sets the stage for events that leave a mark on the world stage.
Marrakech’s appeal as a host city for these diverse events lies in its seamless fusion of history, tradition, and modernity. Its accessibility, complemented by burgeoning tourism and hospitality industry, ensures that participants can partake in these events with ease and comfort.
The city is rooted in history and culture, boasting stunning architecture, palaces, gardens, and a medina that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its rich cultural heritage and unique ambiance make it an attractive location for events which seek to showcase and celebrate diversity and cultural exchange.
Marrakech has been the capital of Morocco many times, starting from the Almoravid dynasty (1040-1147), continuing with the Almohad dynasty (1147-1269), and culminating in the Saadis dynasty (1549-1659). This renders the city chock-full of historical monuments, such as Bahia Palace (Ksar Bahia), El Badi Palace, Kutubiyya Mosque, Menara Gardens, and the Tombs of the Seven Saints.
More than that, the coexistence between all three major monotheistic religions makes the city a safe place to live, invest, and organize events. Marrakech hosts many synagogues in its old medina–mainly in the Mellah neighborhood–such as the Slat al Azama and Joseph Bitton synagogues. The city has several churches for Christian inhabitants, namely the “Eglise des Saints Martyrs” and the “Evangelical Church.”
The imperial realm’s beautiful landscapes, including the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, provide a picturesque and exotic setting that appeals to event organizers and participants.
Here lies Mount Toubkal at 4,167 meters, the highest mountain in North Africa and the Arab World. Climbing to the roof of North Africa attracts many trekking enthusiasts. Imlil’s heavenly, panoramic view of the surrounding peaks attracts hiking lovers.
The fact that the city enjoys a generally mild and sunny climate throughout much of the year, makes it an appealing location for events. This is especially advantageous for outdoor and indoor events, which can be held in comfort.
What makes Marrakech most appealing is that it has a well-developed tourism and hospitality industry with a range of high-quality hotels, conference centers, and event facilities. The city can accommodate the logistical needs of large international events, offering a variety of venues suitable for conferences, conventions, and other gatherings.
Marrakech is well-connected to major international cities, making it relatively easy for participants from around the world to travel to and from the city. It has an international airport and an impressive transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of attendees and participants.
During 2022, Marrakech Airport registered a total of 4,903,681 passengers, according to the airport’s website. Much of the city’s air traffic is serviced by Irish carrier Ryanair, connecting it to more European destinations than any other city in the Kingdom (not that anyone would want to leave Marrakech).
Morocco, including Marrakech, has seen a significant increase in tourism in recent years. This growth has encouraged investment in infrastructure, making it more attractive for hosting international events due to the availability of facilities and amenities.
The Moroccan government and local authorities often provide incentives and support for hosting international events, including tax benefits, grants, and promotional assistance. These incentives attract event organizers and encourage them to choose Marrakech as a destination.
The Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum will convene its first meeting post-COVID in Marrakech in December, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had announced, following a meeting with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit regarding the objective of strengthening Russo-Arab League ties.
The Institute of International Finance (IIF) held its Annual Membership Meeting (AMM) in Marrakech as scheduled from October 12 to 14, 2023, following lead of the World Bank (WB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to an IIF news release issued Monday.
From October 9-15, the Red City hosted The Annual Meeting of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which returned to Africa after a 50-year absence. Approximately 14,000 people and more than 189 member states of the IMF and the WB participated, despite the quake that shook the city at the beginning of September.
Marrakech also held the 3rd edition of “World Power-to-X Summit” on September 19-20, attracting policymakers, industry leaders, research experts, and global innovators in the field of green hydrogen. Entitled “The Hydrogen Crossroad,” the conference addressed carbon-free hydrogen and clean molecules and featured around 180 worldwide specialists and officials.
For cinephiles and cinematic industry professionals, the International Film Festival of Marrakech (FIFM) is a magnet. A celebration of global filmmaking, the FIFM draws filmmakers, actors, and enthusiasts to Marrakech’s captivating atmosphere, creating a platform for the exchange of creative visions.
In November 2016, Marrakech took center stage as the venue for the 22nd UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP22). This pivotal event convened world leaders, diplomats, environmentalists, and other stakeholders to deliberate on pressing global climate change issues and to propose collective solutions.
Furthermore, numerous important football matches took place at the Grand Stade of Marrakech, such as the final game of Clubs World Cup 2013 between Bayern Munich and Raja of Casablanca.
In addition to that, the stadium is likely to host a portion of the 2030 World Club matches as well, stated Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) head Fouzi Lekjaa.
The Red City is also attracting big-name investors and businesses such as Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned footballer, who owns the luxurious Pestana CR7 Marrakech Hotel. Accommodations combine modern design, cutting-edge technology, and a sporty ambiance, providing guests with a luxurious and immersive experience during their stay in Marrakech.
American actor Robert De Niro, Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and American director Meir Tepper all shared investment partnership in establishing the Nobu Hotel. The deluxe facility is located in the center of Marrakech’s Golden Triangle region, in the Hivernage district.
An American couple left Los Angeles 17 years ago and created a tile production company after having been captivated by Morocco’s colorful zellij, inspired to design houses based on Moroccan architecture.
Far away from business, the city is an Eldorado for celebrities’ weddings and celebrations, initiated by Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s daughter Yekaterina Putin in 2012 at Palace La Mamounia.
In December 2022, famous footballer Zidane’s son married Karen Goncalves in a private wedding at La Mamounia, as well. In addition, Fleur East, a British X Factor contestant, wedded her lover Marcel Badiane Robin at Morocco’s most exclusive property.
Marrakech’s cultural richness, scenic beauty, hospitality infrastructure, favorable climate, accessibility, and government support collectively make it an appealing choice for hosting international events on a grand scale.