Morocco signs three-year hosting deal for World Travel Awards Grand Final

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke, third left, is joined by Moroccan minister of tourism His Excellency Dr. Lahcen Haddad, third right, and Mohammed Arkobi, chairman of Innovate Marketing Solutions, second right

Morocco has been unveiled as the host for the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2014, 2015 and 2016 today following the signing of a three-year hosting agreement during a ceremony hosted at Arabian Travel Market.

The announcement was made at the press conference jointly hosted by World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke, Moroccan Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Dr. Lahcen Haddad, and Mohammed Arkobi, Chairman of Innovate Marketing Solutions.

Speaking at the event World Travel Awards President Graham Cooke said: “This is a momentous day for World Travel Awards and for the Moroccan tourism industry.

"Morocco is the ideal destination for World Travel Awards; growing rapidly to become the leading tourism destination in the region.

"There is so much to offer, from the beaches of Agadir, to the splendour of the Atlas Mountains and the cosmopolitan chic of downtown Rabat."

The first event will take place in the beautiful city of Marrakech later this year.

Discussing the role of Innovate Marketing Solutions in securing the deal, Graham Cooke added: "We look forward to building our relationship with Innovate Marketing Solutions, over the coming months ahead of the event. 

"As World Travel Awards’ representatives their role in negotiating the contract with the Moroccan tourism authorities has been instrumental."

Securing hosting rights for the World Travel Awards Grand Final is just the latest coup for Morocco, which has been able to use its reputation as one of the most politically stable destinations in the region to significantly increase its tourism revenue in recent years.

While Marrakesh has been a ‘must see’ destination for generations, Fez, Meknez, and capital Rabat are now joining the city on the global stage.

His Excellency Dr. Lahcen Haddad added: “Morocco is an enchanting, hospitable land full of mystery, wonder and cultural richness.

“One of North Africa's top tourist destinations, its dusty deserts, snow-capped Atlas Mountains, medieval medinas, and pristine beaches continue to delight and amaze visitors.

“Hosting the World Travel Awards Grand Final will be a defining event in enhancing the awareness of the Kingdom of Morocco among the most powerful leaders of the travel and hospitality industry".

"We are delighted to be able to bring the WTA to morocco,” enthused Dr. Mohammed Arkobi, chairman of Innovate Marketing Solutions.

“We are true believers that morocco will be among top 20 tourist destinations in the world shortly.

“We believe in Moroccan hospitality and Moroccan ability.

“It was easy to the decision to host the World Travel Awards; it will showcase Morocco to the World Travel Awards’ global audience.”

The World Travel Awards Grand Final will follow a series of regional Gala Ceremonies, with events this year scheduled for Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Athens (Greece), Quito (Ecuador), Abuja (Nigeria), New Delhi (India), and the fantastic holiday island of Anguilla in the Caribbean.

World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the WTA brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Notes to Editors

About World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and is acknowledged across the globe as the ultimate travel accolade and aims to celebrate those brands that are pushing the boundaries of industry excellence.

WTA’s global media partner network includes International New York Times, TV5Monde, CNBC Arabiya, Newsweek, Outlook Traveller, Travel & Leisure, Khaleej Times, Trade Arabia, TTN, Trav Talk India, Publituris, ASTA Network, Breaking Travel News, Travel Daily News International and Focus on Travel News.

This global media partner network has a monthly readership of 1.7 million and a TV audience reach of 90 million.

To download WTA logos visit: www.worldtravelawards.com/logo

About Morocco

A stones throw away from Europe, Morocco stands not at the confluence of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, but also the crossroads where East meets West.

About Innovate Marketing Solutions

Innovate is a boutique advertising agency that believes quality is more important than quality. Innovate is a Moroccan-based company owned by Arkinvests and established on 2008.