Real Estate & Travel News in Morocco from Propertyshowrooms.com

Take advantage of Morocco's coastline by purchasing real estate in Tetouan

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals looking to buy property in Morocco have been encouraged to consider looking at what is available in the north of the country.

According to an article in the Manila Bulletin, the city of Tetouan is perfect for those wanting to take advantage of the attractive coastlines and beaches that Morocco is blessed with.

"Tetouan is a city found in Northern Morocco and one of the two main ports of the country," the news provider explained.

"Being situated on the Mediterranean coast, Tetouan is well known for its collection of beautiful beaches. Tetouan's beaches are among the best and most attractive in the Mediterranean area."

Meanwhile, investors wanting to buy real estate in Morocco will be encouraged by news that British Airways (BA) is launching new flights to the country in March next year.

BA has identified Marrakech as its top destination of 2011, in acknowledgement of the city's potential for growth in the tourism sector.

BA launches new flights to Morocco

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

British property investors looking to buy real estate in Morocco will be encouraged by news that British Airways (BA) is launching new flights to the country in March next year.

BA has identified Marrakech as its top destination of 2011, in acknowledgement of the city's potential for growth in the tourism sector.

Commenting, the company's chief executive Willie Walsh said: "Tourism and leisure travel is a crucial focus for us, so growing our holidays business is a major part of our business plan."

BA added that the early response to the launch of the new route to Marrakech "has been incredible".

Meanwhile, according to experts at Experience International, Morocco is one to watch as we head into 2011, with it boasting a booming tourism market.

The news is sure to interest potential buy-to-let investors looking to purchase property in Morocco who will be able to benefit from the rise in visitor numbers.

Some ten million tourists are set to visit Morocco in 2010, an impressive 14 per cent growth compared to 2009.

Investors told Morocco 'has potential'

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco has been one of the hottest property markets of the last decade in terms of climate and investment potential, it has been claimed.

According to experts at Experience International, the country could be one to watch as we head into 2011, with it boasting a booming tourism market.

The news is sure to interest potential buy-to-let investors looking to purchase property in Morocco who will be able to benefit from the rise in visitor numbers.

Indeed, the property portal reports that over the past 12 months HomeAway.co.uk has seen a 55 per cent increase in booking enquiries this year with average weekly rates for two and three-bedroom properties at £452 and £746 respectively.

Some ten million tourists are set to visit Morocco in 2010, an impressive 14 per cent growth compared to 2009.

In addition, British Airways has recently announced that it will be running a new thrice-weekly flight from London Gatwick to Marrakech - making the country more accessible for visitors and buyers alike.

Morocco set to become a popular tourist destination

Wed, 5 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Individuals with property in Morocco may be pleased to hear that the African destination offers travellers the most exotic experience for the shortest flight.

According to travel expert Sarah Baxter, holidaymakers will be able to immerse themselves in the culture-rich country after just a three-hour flight.

Ms Baxter, deputy editor at Wanderlust magazine, explained that travellers are becoming more adventurous and as such destinations like Morocco should become more popular this year.

"Morocco offers the most exotic experience for the shortest flight. In just three hours you can be nose-deep in culture shock," she added.

"Travellers are getting more adventurous, looking for more experiential travel, rather than just beach flops."

According to tour operator Gap Adventures, there has been a 200 per cent increase in bookings to Egypt and Morocco so far in 2010, compared to last year.

In order to meet the rise in demand, the company has introduced a number of new tours to the destinations.

Morocco in golf boost?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco may put itself on the golf property map with news that an event featuring some of the world's best players is to be played there next year.

The Professional Golfers' Association has unveiled its Race to Dubai schedule for 2010, which will see the 47-tournament programme climax in the emirate next November.

In the meantime, property seekers in Morocco may be interested to know that the itinerary will see the inaugural Hassan II Golf Trophy contest taking place at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat from March 18th to 21st.

The sight of big-name players could help spread the popularity of golf in the north African country and may in turn trigger the growth of property associated with the sport.

Another development that could boost the market in Morocco will be the creation of a Monte Carlo-style resort, after the State of Monaco-owned Monte Carlo SBM recently unveiled plans for a GBP120 million hotel and residential resort outside Marrakech.

Morocco in tourism award

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco has been hailed as Africa's top tourist destination this year, something that may help boost the holiday lettings market.

The country was honoured with the accolade at the annual African Business Awards.

Recognition of the north African nation's efforts to bring in more overseas visitors was based on its Vision 2010 plan, which aims to reach an annual total of ten million visitors by next year.

The website quoted head of the Moroccan tourist board in the UK Ali El Kasmi as saying: "We are delighted to have won such an accolade. Morocco offers a quality product and a cultural destination full of energy, mysticism and spice."

Recent figures from the United Nations World Tourism Barometer showed that Africa was the only continent in the world to see a rise in visitor numbers this year.

It noted that a major reason for this was the strong performance of north African countries on the Mediterranean coast.

Morocco property in possible new air boost

Wed, 6 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Moroccan property sector may be boosted by news that a new budget airline has been launched which will begin flying between the UK and the north African country tomorrow (May 6th).

Air Arabia Marco will run a service using two new A320 aircraft that will fly between London Stansted and Casablanca four times each week.

Such a new service could help boost visitor numbers to the country, which in turn could make it easier not only for those buying property there to reach it, but also raise demand for private rental homes.

Casablanca itself may be one attractive proposition, with its mixture of historic and colonial architecture, plus many modern festivals.

These include the L'Boulevard festival at the end of May, featuring musical styles such as rock metal and fusion.

The city is also due to get a faster rail link to Tangier by 2016, cutting journey times from five hours to two, Magharebia reports.

Town is 'emerging secret' of Morocco

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The town of Moulay Idriss is emerging as a new tourism destination in Morocco, it has been suggested.

In a feature on the location, the Times suggested that the settlement, which has deep historic and spiritual significance in the country, is becoming progressively more welcoming to outsiders, belying its image as a hostile and inhospitable place.

One of its features includes the shrine to and grave of Idriss I, who introduced the Islamic faith to Morocco and founded the Idris dynasty.

The opening up of places like Moulay Idriss to outsiders may help boost tourism in Morocco, something that could in turn be good news for those investing in property there.

Another positive factor may be the strength of the economy in the north African country.

The rate of economic growth will be between 4.7 per cent and 5.7 per cent for the first half of 2009, according to figures from the Moroccan High Planning Commission, reports Maghreb Arabe Presse.

Flight searches for Morocco on the rise

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

New search engine data has revealed that the number of UK people using the internet to find flights to Morocco rose significantly during 2008.

According to figures from online research firm Hitwise, Morocco was one of the only countries to display an increase in search engine activity last year, with many destinations experiencing a dip in search numbers.

Flight searches for Morocco went up by 2.1% over the last 12 months, while Brazil experienced an even bigger rise, with 19.5% more searches recorded for the South American country.

Robin Goad, director of research at Hitwise, commented: "In terms of warmer destinations, the weak pound is encouraging people to look further afield for bargains, with places such as Brazil, Morocco, Cuba, Kenya and India all moving up the rankings over the last 12 months."

Atlas Blue has launched a new direct route between Gatwick Airport and the Moroccan city of Fez this year, with an increase in visitor numbers expected as a result.

Visit our off-plan property Morocco page.

Morocco to benefit from popularity of midhaul destinations

Wed, 7 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

More people are expected to visit Morocco in 2009 as 'mid-haul' holiday destinations become increasingly popular with British travellers.

This is according to the Independent, which states that "mid-haul destinations will dominate the favourite travel hotspots list this year" as holidaymakers head outside of the eurozone for better-value breaks.

With traditional European resorts becoming increasingly expensive for Britons, the newspaper claims that Morocco and other mid-haul destinations will draw more visitors by offering "a mix of lower prices, guaranteed temperatures and a more exotic welcome".

Richard Cope of market research company Mintel added: "Rising prices means people are looking outside the eurozone. The easyJet routes into Morocco make these places accessible."

The Moroccan city of Fez has been tipped to experience a mini-boom in tourism levels this year, with airline Atlas Blue launching new flights to the historic destination from Gatwick Airport.

Visit our off-plan property Morocco page.

Morocco to benefit from familyfriendly holidays

Sat, 3 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Moroccan tourism industry is set to receive a boost with the launch of a new service aimed at families with small children.

According to the Guardian, the niche market of "toddler tourism" will continue to grow this year as more operators look to cater for family groups containing children under five.

Holiday operator Explore is preparing to launch a family-friendly trip to Morocco as part of its new Toddler Tours, taking in the sights of Marrakesh and a walking expedition in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

The company describes Marrakesh as "one of the world's most stunning cities" and claims that viewing the city with the peaks of the High Atlas in the background creates an "unforgettable first impression".

As well as the obvious attractions of Marrakesh, the city of Fez is expected to attract more first-time visitors to Morocco this year due to the launch of new flights by airline Atlas Blue.

Visit our off-plan property Morocco page.

Morocco popular for Christmas holidays

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco's climate and accessibility makes the country a popular choice with Christmas holidaymakers from the UK.

This is according to Jane Folliott of Orion Trek Voyages, who explained that Morocco can offer British families an escape from "the drudgery of winter in Europe", but also retains a feeling of Christmas due to its European influences.

She said that the country is improving as a family-friendly destination, due to better travel networks and other infrastructure improvements.

"People are feeling a bit more confident about taking children to Morocco because it has developed a lot in terms of facilities," Ms Folliott commented.

Although still warmer than many European destinations, the north African country does experience a drop in temperature during the festive period, with snowfall seen in its mountainous areas.

The Telegraph recently reported on the growing popularity of Moroccan ski resorts such as Oukaimeden, which is situated about 45 miles south of Marrakesh.

Visit our off-plan property Morocco page.

Budget airline to launch Morocco flights

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Low cost airline Ryanair has confirmed that it is to begin offering a new service between the UK and Morocco.

The budget carrier will start providing direct passage from London Stansted to Agadir towards the end of next month.

This represents a further improvement to the accessibility of Morocco to British consumers - a development which could boost tourism in the north African country.

As a result, the new flights could also help enhance the appeal of the nation among foreign property buyers, in particular rental investors.

Bridget Dowling, spokesperson for Ryanair, commented: "Agadir is an increasingly popular holiday destination and now consumers can take advantage of the guaranteed lowest fares to the beautiful Moroccan coast."

Morocco attracted a record number of people last year, as about 7.4 million tourists chose to visit places such as Marrakesh and Tangier.

The government is currently aiming to boost annual visitor numbers to 10 million by 2010.

Visit our off-plan property Morocco page.

Royal Air Maroc in Amadeus-AACO strategic deal

Mon, 4 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Royal Air Maroc (RAM), Morocco's national carrier, has signed a 10-year distribution agreement with Amadeus, a global leader in technology and distribution solutions for the travel and tourism industry...

Buy-to-let investors pointed towards Morocco

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

People who plan to invest in a buy-to-let property overseas have been advised to consider purchasing in Morocco.

According to Fleewinter.com, the north African country currently has a growing tourism industry, which means that rental demand is very strong.

Therefore, owners of a buy-to-let property in popular tourism hotspots could be able to benefit from considerable rental returns.

However, the website has advised that if people wish to make the most of the potential the market currently offers, they should invest in a property near the sea.

Alisdair Luxmoore, spokesperson for Fleewinter.com, said: "If you want a return on your investment, in terms of tourists coming to stay in your place, then being by the coast is an enormous help."

He added that a property's rental potential could also be maximised if they buy in a place which is easy to reach, such as Marrakech.

According to official figures, more than seven million foreign leisure travellers visited Morocco in 2007.

Rio Ferdinand adds to property portfolio with houses in Morocco

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rio Ferdinand has invested in the Moroccan property market. Instead of competing in Euro 2008, Ferdinand has kept busy buying seven houses at a beach complex in Morocco...

Ferdinand wanted a base for family holidays as well as buying for purely investment purposes, reports The Mail on Sunday. Ferdinand invested £2m in Sadia, Morocco, where miles of unspoiled coastline were the big attraction.

However, Ferdinand also was thinking of the future: "It's not as well known here. It's got greater investment potential and I'm getting in early, although you have got to use your imagination." The Jardin de Fleur development where Ferdinand has invested is part of King Mohammed VI's Azur Programme to boost tourism, and although the site is still under construction "a smart marina hints at what is to come".

Ferdinand was involved in the design of one of his properties, a five-bedroom villa based on the traditional riad style. Currently he plans to use it for family holidays but eventually hopes to retire there.

When completed in 2010 the Jardin de Fleur development will have 3,600 apartments, townhouses and villas, three 18-hole golf courses, sports facilities, restaurants and shops.

Ferdinand's seven Moroccan properties add to his existing property portfolio; a villa and two flats on the Turks and Caicos Islands, a holiday home in Barbados and a London penthouse overlooking the river Thames.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.
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Credit crunch 'not affecting Morocco'

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A property analyst has claimed that Morocco is not being negatively affected by turbulence in the global economy.

According to Dominic Farrell, editor of Jet-to-Let magazine, the ongoing credit crisis is mainly affecting countries such as the UK, the US and Ireland.

By contrast, many financial institutions in Morocco are still apparently lending money to customers.

Commenting on this trend, Mr Farrell said it is because banks in the north African nation has been relatively unexposed to global economic problems.

This could partially explain why foreign markets are currently seeing a surge of interest among British property buyers.

"I have definitely seen a sharp increase in the amount of interest from potential investors over the past six months," Mr Farrell committed.

Speaking to the Liverpool Daily Post, he added that many people are unable to enter the British market and are seeking alternatives as a result.

According to Currencies Direct, many of the people who are buying homes in Morocco are those who wish to live abroad on a permanent basis.

Lifestyle buyers head for Morocco

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco is proving to be very popular with lifestyle buyers from the UK, industry analysts have revealed.

According to Currencies Direct, many of the people who are buying homes in the country wish to live abroad on a permanent basis.

Spokesperson Mark O'Sullivan said many of the expats are people who have opted to spend their retirement overseas.

Speaking to the Telegraph, he stated that these people have been drawn to the country by its natural attractions.

Mr O'Sullivan commented: "Morocco benefits from coasts on the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, giving the growing number of retirees that we have witnessed purchasing property there a choice of dramatic beach locations."

However, he said people from the UK may find that some aspects of Morocco, such as its medical facilities, do not meet European standards.

Morocco has also been attracting greater attention from British holidaymakers in recent months.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators, this is partly because the strong euro has pushed up the cost of staying within Europe.

Morocco attracts more foreign tourists

Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Efforts to attract more holidaymakers to Morocco appear to be reaping positive rewards, new figures have revealed.

According to the National Tourism Observatory, 2.5 million people visited the country during the first five months of the year.

Figures cited by the Maghreb Arabe Presse showed that this is 11 per cent higher than the amount recorded a year earlier.

Morocco was found to be particularly popular with French holidaymakers, who made up the largest group of foreign nationals in the country.

However, a significant amount of Spaniards, Britons, Italians and Belgians also chose to visit during this period.

The figures are likely to be welcomed by buy-to-let investors in Morocco, as growth in the tourism sector will have a knock-on effect on the rental market.

As a result, the country could potentially be a good bet for people who are thinking of buying an investment property overseas.

This comes after the Foreign Property Buyer website said that the government's plan to increase the number of visitors to Morocco over the next two years "bodes well" for its rental market.

Morocco welcomes families with new development in Marrakech

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco is not the obvious choice for families as many developments are aimed at trendy couples but the country now has its first family friendly resort...

Fishing ports proving popular with visitors and investors in Morocco

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Small fishing ports on Morocco's Atlantic coast are attracting a large number of Spanish tourists who are swelling the demand for holiday rentals...

Strong euro drives Britons to Morocco

Mon, 2 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

British holidaymakers look set to shun traditional European destinations and head to Africa instead, analysts have predicted.

According to the Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO), countries such as Morocco are likely to attract a greater number of people from the UK this year.

This is because the single European currency has risen to a record high against the British pound and is likely to remain strong during the next few months.

Therefore, prices in countries such as Spain and Portugal are comparatively expensive to Britons, whereas Morocco has more favourable exchange rates and lower prices.

AITO chairman Derek Moore commented: "There will be an increasing number opting for countries on the edge of the eurozone like Morocco."

He added that this is a good location because it is not far from Europe, which means travel times are not significantly different.

This comes after NuBricks.com said the tourism sector in Morocco is "on the up" and has witnessed some "impressive growth" in recent years.

Strong euro influences holiday choices

Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The value of the pound against the euro is directly affecting people's travel habits, it has been revealed.

According to Directholidaybookings.co.uk, the strength of the single currency has put people off travelling to traditional European destinations.

This has led to many people seeking alternative options beyond the continent, such as Egypt and Morocco.

The two African nations were said to offer far more favourable exchange rates with the UK, which means holidaymakers could find they offer better value for money.

Andrew Gibson, director of DirectHolidaybookings.co.uk, commented: "British tourists are finding that their money will go much further if they consider alternative locations."

He added that the cost of visiting established hotspots such as Spain and France has risen "significantly" in the last few months.

This comes after the Association of British Travel Agents revealed that emerging economies and mid to long-haul destinations are becoming more and more popular.

UK nationals taking 3-day holidays

Tue, 4 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many families in the UK are choosing to take holidays of just three or four days, a new study has found.

According to research by Holiday Inn, only 48 per cent of people intend to go on a traditional two-week break with their children this year.

The firm cited a number of reasons for this trend, such as parents being unable to get enough time off work and difficulty getting the same dates as their partner.

As a result, people are increasingly choosing to use their holiday allowance throughout the year and go on about three or four short breaks throughout the year. This is good news for those thinking of buying buy-to-let property abroad.

Holiday Inn said that as well as having a positive impact on the family unit, this was also proving to be more cost-effective than travelling abroad during the peak tourist season.

Chris Hale, spokesperson for the company, remarked: "Why spend your hard earned cash on one big holiday when three or four breaks a year is less stress, less money and a lot more fun?"

Earlier this week, Lastminute.com predicted that Morocco would be a highly popular holiday destination this year, along with the Cape Verde islands.

Different Nationalities 'Head to Morocco'

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Holidaymakers from Europe are increasingly choosing to spend their leisure time in Morocco, a government official has stated.

Tourism minister Mohamed Boussaid said the overall number of visitors rose by 13 per cent to 7.45 million last year.

Speaking to the Maghreb Arabe Presse, he revealed that many of these people had come from various European countries.

According to official figures, 2.85 million French consumers visited Morocco last year, along with 1.6 million Spaniards.

Meanwhile, the country was also found to have attracted a large number of Belgians, Germans, Italians and Britons.

Commenting on Morocco's tourist sector, Mr Boussaid said the recent growth was proving to be a major economic boost.

He stated that the increase in visitor numbers was leading to the creation of new jobs and contributing a significant amount to the national gross domestic product.

This comes at the same time as figures from the UN World Tourist Organisation which showed that Africa as a whole attracted 44 million leisure travellers last year.

Winter sun-seekers 'going to north Africa'

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Many British leisure travellers are set to visit north Africa during the next few months, experts have stated.

According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), the region is very popular because it offers a warmer alternative to the cold winter in the UK.

This was said to be important to many people from Britain, as the country had recently experienced the wettest summer on record.

In addition, ABTA stated that many people who tried to book last-minute bargains during the downpours had been unable to do so, as many of the best deals had already been booked up.

Sean Tipton, spokesperson for the organisation, told the Western Mail: "Everything had sold out and a lot of people didn't get to go abroad so there's been a ten per cent rise in winter sun holidays."

This comes after UK newspaper the Independent highlighted Morocco as a good destination for overseas property buyers to consider.

The publication praised the country for offering a warm climate during the winter, as well as affordable house prices.

UK tourists 'visiting exotic locations'

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

British holidaymakers are increasingly opting to visit more exotic destinations such as Morocco, according to experts.

Online travel agency Freedom Direct stated that tourists wanted to get most of their holidays and enjoy a range of activities.

Although relaxing on a beach was said to remain a popular pastime for tourists, the firm noted that people also wanted to experience a new culture.

This, combined with the falling prices of foreign travel, was found to have led to the emergence of places like Morocco and Egypt as major holiday destinations.

Nick Jackson, spokesperson for Freedom Direct, commented: "They all offer a very different cultural setting to the popular European holiday destinations and unique history which has left them with many exotic historical sites to visit."

This could make these countries attractive options for overseas property investors to consider, as the demand for rental accommodation is likely to grow.

According to TravelRepublic.co.uk, many Britons are set to spend Christmas in Morocco in order to escape the winter weather in the UK.

Christmas holidaymakers to visit Marrakesh

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Many Britons who are flying abroad this Christmas are set to visit Marrakesh, it has been revealed.

The Moroccan city was highlighted as a popular location among winter holidaymakers by TravelRepublic.co.uk, which said they were leaving the UK in order to enjoy warmer conditions elsewhere.

According to the website, the number of people planning to jet abroad for the festive season has reached record levels, partly because of the prospect of a bleak winter in Britain.

Paul Furner, managing director of TravelRepublic.co.uk, commented: "The combination of the terrible summer and the clocks changing this weekend have prompted a surge in bookings for Christmas holidays to the sun."

The website added that the popularity of Morocco for festive travellers was a surprise, since most were going to more established European holiday destinations such as Spain and Portugal.

However, Travel and Tourism News recently cited official figures showing that more than 6.5 million foreign nationals holidayed in Morocco last year.

Holiday home buyer praises Morocco

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The African country of Morocco has been praised by a holiday home buyer for its natural beauty and culture.

Peter Cowie from London bought a property for renovation in Morocco earlier this year along with his wife Rebecca.

The home was intended to be used as both an investment and as holiday accommodation, allowing them to enjoy the financial rewards and lifestyle benefits of owning a house overseas.

Speaking to the Times, Mr Cowie said he intended to add features such as new terraces to the £200,000 property, which is located in Marrakesh.

He commented: "I plan to sit on the roof with an ice-cold gin and tonic and watch the sun set over the medina and Atlas Mountains."

Mr Cowie added that there was "a real buzz" in Morocco, as he enjoyed experiencing the African culture and surroundings.

This comes after the country's tourism department published figures showing that between January and July this year, 261,000 Britons visited for a holiday.

Morocco's tourist market 'set to increase'

Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT

The number of tourists visiting Morocco could increase by more than a third during the next three years, according to new estimates.

Travel and Tourism News reported that the government was aiming to boost the country's tourist industry, since it was highly lucrative for the national economy.

Official figures cited by the news provider showed that during 2006, 6.5 million people visited Morocco for a holiday.

However, the government wants the annual number of holidaymakers to increase to ten million by 2010.

If the targets are met, overseas property investors are likely to benefit from the increased demand for rental accommodation, greater income from rent and a higher occupancy rate.

The country's growing popularity among holidaymakers could also impact on property prices as a residence in the country could become a more sought-after commodity.

Morocco's tourism department recently published figures showing between January and July this year, 261,000 Britons visited it for a holiday.

Britons 'visiting Morocco for holidays'

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco has become an increasingly popular holiday destination among British tourists, according to new research.

Figures from the country's tourism department showed that between January and July this year, 261,000 Britons visited Morocco for a holiday.

The study found that the destination was also highly popular among people from other European countries, with many more tourists coming from places including France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Most of the tourists were said to have visited Marrakech, which saw an 11 per cent increase in the number of visitors since last year.

Casablanca, Tangier and Fez were also said to be major tourist hotspots, along with Rabat and Agadir.

Across the country as a whole, the tourism department recorded a ten per cent increase in tourist numbers from the same period in 2006.

According to a recent report in the Sofia Echo, Bulgaria is also growing in popularity as a holiday destination among people from different European countries.

Morocco 'could be the new Spain'

Fri, 22 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

With an increasing number of tourists visiting Morocco's holiday destinations, one expert has suggested that the country could become the "new Spain".

Rob Shaw, marketing and operations manager at Morocco Properties, said that Morocco has "matured" in recent years and now property investors are likely to find a great deal of potential in the country's market, reports Easier.

"One only has to look at its close proximity to northern Europe and Spain, the upgrading of infrastructures, the continued investment and the variety it has to offer," he remarked.

Commenting on the country's property sector recently, Hetal Shah, director of Investors Provident, said that Morocco was "coming into the limelight", along with a number of other emerging markets.

According to Mr Hetal, Moroccan property prices are far cheaper than in mainland Europe, a fact which is attracting a growing number of investors to the region.

Overseas home purchases 'driven by investment hopes'

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT

A total of 53 per cent of Brits who buy a property overseas do so for investment purposes, a new survey has revealed.

According to joint research by Savills and holiday-rentals.co.uk, investment motives are a key driver in the acquisition of an overseas home, with rental potential being the most important financial consideration.

Many investors are trying to break into countries with emerging tourist destinations, such as Morocco, as this allows them to benefit from strong capital growth.

Lucian Cook, director of research at Savills, said: "With this in mind, purchasers are increasingly looking further afield to emerging coastal destinations where entry into the overseas homeownership market currently is more affordable."

The study also revealed that 49 per cent of respondents are funding their acquisitions through mortgages.

It was recently reported in the Independent that a record number of Brits are buying property in Morocco and enjoying capital gains of more than 20 per cent a year.

Fadesa a step closer to Plage Blanche development deal

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Spanish development group Fadesa has been selected by the Moroccan government in the last phase of a tender to build a resort at Plage Blanche, located in the province of Guelmim.

Fadesa's proposed development involves creating hotel units and holiday villages, as well as leisure facilities, such as a golf course and shopping centre.

Access to the resort will be aided by the presence of the regional airport, which can be reached within less than an hour.

If negotiations with the government are successful, Fadesa, which operates residential developments throughout Spain and Morocco, will be able to press ahead with the development, creating around 9,000 permanent jobs.

Construction will last around eight years, although the first hotel is expected to be open to tourists by 2012.

In related news, the Al Hoceima province in Morocco is to receive long-term government investment in order to build up its tourism potential.

The strategy includes the development of a new seaside resort area, including hotels and entertainment facilities.

Morocco to be 'a hit' with foreigners in 2007

Wed, 14 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Morocco is set to be the top overseas summer hotspot this year, new research has revealed.

According to Rightmove, Morocco is one of the fastest-growing destinations for both property investors and holidaymakers.

Lush gardens, olive groves and palm trees, as well as medieval alleyways and vibrant market stalls, all make Morocco a favourite for tourists, which is why investors are starting to invest in property for renting.

The property firm found that flight bookings to Marrakech rose by 295 per cent last summer compared to the previous year.

"Flight fares to Morocco have dropped dramatically", commented spokesman Justin Figgins.

"This makes the destination a more attractive investment prospect for those looking to cast their nets further afield in search of a holiday home that is a little out of the ordinary."

Rightmove also revealed that average property prices in Morocco currently range between £100,000 and £125,000.

The Independent recently reported that a record number of Brits are buying property in Morocco and enjoying capital gains of at least 20 per cent a year.