Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, held talks on Monday with Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), during his working visit to Morocco, according to the country’s Press Agency (MAP).
During the discussions, Bourita highlighted the strategic partnership between Morocco and UNWTO, built on shared priorities and a unified vision for the future of global tourism.
Bourita highlighted Morocco’s leadership in promoting sustainable tourism, aligning with the vision of King Mohammed VI, who regards tourism as a key driver for sustainable development and economic growth.
The Moroccan politician welcomed UNWTO’s decision to open an office in Morocco, describing it as a platform for cooperation between the Kingdom, UNWTO, and member states.
The minister pointed out Morocco’s significant tourism projects, particularly its upcoming hosting of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The global events, he noted, offer unique opportunities to showcase Morocco’s tourism potential while adhering to best practices in sustainable tourism. Bourita also reiterated King Mohammed VI’s vision of sports tourism as a cornerstone for national development and a tool for fostering peace, stability, and international understanding.
Meanwhile, the UNWTO official commended King Mohammed VI’s strategic vision, highlighting its focus on job creation and sustainable tourism development.
UNWTO’s Secretary-General reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Morocco through technical expertise and resources to ensure the success of these initiatives.
Pololikashvili also presented the English edition of the promotional book “Investing in Tourism Business in Morocco,” a guide for potential investors. The publication will be translated into multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and French, to reach a broader audience in international exhibitions and forums.
Morocco currently serves on the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2022–2025 term and has officially submitted its candidacy for a seat representing Africa for the 2025–2029 term.
This is Pololikashvili’s second official visit to Morocco. His last meeting with Bourita in 2021 centered on using tourism as a catalyst for development and exploring ways to strengthen the sector’s resilience to global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.