Director General of the Moroccan Tourism Office (ONMT) Adel El Fakir won the “Personality of the Year” award, and the city of Essaouira was named the Destination of the Year 2023 at the first edition of the Morocco Tourism Awards on Tuesday. This event was organized by the news outlet Tourisma Post.
Senior Advisor to King Mohammed VI and President-Founder of the Essaouira-Mogador Association, Andre Azoulay, was on hand to receive Essaouira’s award.
Head of the National Confederation of Tourism (CNT), Hamid Bentahar, was present to receive the “Leader of the Year” award, while CEO of Travel Link Morocco, Othman Nait, was honored as the “Up-and-Comer of the Year.”
This inaugural edition celebrated individuals and institutions that have demonstrated creativity and dedication in promoting the Moroccan tourism brand, both nationally and internationally.
The nod for ecologically responsible business practices in 2023 was given to the Society for the Development and Promotion of the Taghazout Resort (SAPST), while the “Social Engagement for Women Guides” award was presented to Hala Benkhaldoun, DG of Intrepid Travel’s Morocco division.
Head of the National Federation of Tourist Restaurants, Imane Rmili, received the “Restaurateur of the Year” award, while Rkia Alaoui, President of the Regional Tourism Council of Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, was honored as the “Female Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year.”
In the field of travel agencies, Atlas Voyage was named the “Agency of the Year,” while S.Tours received the “DMC Agency (Destination Management Company)” award. Hivernage Collection was recognized as the “Hotel Group of the Year,” while Fairmont La Marina Rabat-Salé was awarded the “Hotel Establishment of the Year.”
General Manager Noury Saladin of the Movenpick Marrakech was presented with the “Hotelier of the Year” award, while “Honorable Mention” was conferred upon the CEO of the Hyatt Regency Casablanca, Omar Kebbaj.