09 Oct
2019

Marrakesh revealed as destination for ABTA’s 2020 Travel Convention

Moroccan National Tourist Office to host ABTA’s 2020 Travel Convention

ABTA – The Travel Association is delighted to announce that Marrakesh, Morocco will be the destination for the 2020 Travel Convention. 

Since the last Convention there in 2005, the city has been undergoing major development and for 2020 it has been named the first ever African Capital of Culture, awarded in recognition of Marrakesh’s architectural, artistic and cultural legacy.

Situated at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is most popular with tourists for its historic souk markets, beautiful mosques, palaces and gardens, as well as its two major UNESCO World Heritage sites – the famous ‘Djemaa el Fna’ square and the old walled city.

Meanwhile the city’s ‘riads’, traditional townhouses typically built around a courtyard, provide guests with an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the souks.

The number of UK people travelling to Morocco has also steadily increased over the past five years with more than 630,000 holiday visits to the country last year, up from 460,000 in 2014 – an increase of 30%.1

The Convention, which is being held in the city for the second time, will take place from 5-7 October 2020 at Palmeraie Resorts Marrakesh, which is a conference and leisure complex located in the heart of Palmeraie gardens, 20 minutes from Marrakesh’s city centre.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office will be the host for the Convention.

The business sessions will take place at the Palmeraie Convention Center. All delegates will stay at the 5-star Palmeraie Palace Hotel and the 5-star Hotel Du Golf, within the Palmeraie Resort.

The Welcome and Farewell Parties will take place at two spectacular venues: The Beldi Country Club, set in 15 hectares of lush leafy gardens with views of the Atlas Mountains, and the Selman Marrakesh, an elegant palace with an exceptional atmosphere and exquisite gardens.

The Monday programme will include a golf tournament and activities in the Atlas Mountains.

Delegates will be able to travel directly and indirectly to Marrakesh from nine airports in the UK on services from seven airlines, with direct economy flights starting from £152 and indirect economy flights from £133.

The announcement was made today in Tokyo at the end of the 2019 Travel Convention. Registrations will open in early 2020.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said:

“I’m very pleased that Marrakesh will be hosting the 2020 Travel Convention. It is a city which continues to prove incredibly popular with UK holidaymakers, providing them with an opportunity to experience a culture steeped in history, as well as enjoying the spectacular scenery, cuisine and hospitality.

“I would like to thank the hosts for making it possible to hold next year’s Convention in this unique city once again and I encourage delegates to reserve their place at the earliest opportunity to join us for what is sure to be another fantastic event.”

M. Adel EL Fakir, CEO of the Moroccan National Tourist Office said:

“We are very proud to host ABTA’s Travel Convention in Marrakesh in 2020 for the second time!

 

“Marrakesh is hosting the IGTM next week, and the UNWTO in 2021. Marrakesh and Morocco are thrilled to host in the middle of these two events another prestigious event: The 2020 Travel Convention, organised by ABTA.

 

“UK is Morocco’s third largest market, and we strongly believe that Morocco should and will attract more and more tourists from the UK as Morocco is many destinations in one and can meet all different needs.  ABTA’s Convention will be the opportunity for the UK travel industry to experience the destination and have a better sense of all the genuine experiences they can provide to their customers.

 

“While Marrakesh has witnessed major developments and change since ABTA’s Convention in 2005, it has managed to keep and protect its uniqueness in the region and in the world: an authentic experience delivered by its people, the marrakshis who are excited to welcome you in October 2020.”

Mr Mohammed Raihani, President of the British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco said:  

“We are delighted to have the BRITCHAM (The British Chamber of Commerce for Morocco) contribute to ABTA’s 2020 Travel Convention. The idea of having Morocco as the location of the 2020 Convention came about during a successful conference on tourism organised by the BRITCHAM in Casablanca in 2018, at which ABTA provided a keynote speaker. 

“The BRITCHAM actively addresses the key issues and topics concerning Morocco & the UK; including the important tourism sector. 

“The 2020 ABTA Travel Convention taking place in the beautiful city of Marrakesh will undoubtedly create many opportunities to promote Morocco as a destination and help further develop the travel business between the UK and the Kingdom of Morocco.  

“This is aligned with BRITCHAM’s mission to promote and support trade and business between the two countries where there are many opportunities for growth, not only in Morocco but also benefitting from Morocco as the gateway to Africa.”

 

For further information, contact:

020 3117 0596 or press@abta.co.uk

Emily Jones, Media and PR Manager, tel: 020 3117 0592

Tom Sommerfelt, Senior Media Relations Executive, tel: 020 3117 0531

 

Out of Hours:  Contact the Duty Press Officer: 020 3693 0183

Web: www.abta.com

Twitter: @ABTAtravel

 

References:

1 Office for National Statistics research, ‘Travel Trends Estimates: UK residents’ visits abroad’ - https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/leisureandtourism/datasets/ukresidentsvisitsabroad

 

Notes to editors

ABTA has been a trusted travel brand for over 65 years. Our purpose is to help our Members to grow their businesses successfully and sustainably, and to help their customers travel with confidence.

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ABTA has more than 4,300 travel brands in Membership, providing a wide range of leisure and business travel services, with a combined annual UK turnover of £39 billion. For more details about what we do, what being an ABTA Member means and how we help the British public travel with confidence visit www.abta.com.