The Moroccan Office National Des Aéroports (ONDA) is to host the ACI World and ACI Africa Region Annual General Assembly this year at the Palais des Congrés de la Palmeraie near Marrakech, Morocco from 31 October to 2 November 2011.

Secluded and self-contained, this private site is only about 10 kilometres from Marrakech.

Morocco is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in Africa, and ONDA, the state-owned company responsible for the operation of the national airport system and air traffic control, is handling 10 million passengers and 95,000 aircraft movements annually. To accommodate additional growth, ONDA is planning several new terminals at airports across the country including Marrakech Menara Airport.

The theme of this year’s conference ‘Forward to Basics - How resilient is your business?’ has been chosen to meet the concerns of our industry as we emerge from a downward cycle in many regions to another expansion mode. The conference will investigate the economics, safety and customer service facets of business resilience so critical to ACI members’ worldwide. Two workshops will examine emergency preparedness and non-aeronautical revenues in more detail.

Of particular interest to our ACI Business Partners, this extraordinary complex offers 1,500 sqm of exhibition space adjacent to the conference hall. It will comfortably accommodate up to 40 international exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations, products and services to approximately 500 event delegates expected to attend.

A full conference programme will be released shortly and the ACI monthly World Report will keep you informed of latest developments, as will our www.aci.aero website where we are creating the special event site.

The spacious resort includes two 5-star hotels, the Palmeraie Golf Palace and the brand new Intercontinental Resort & Spa which opens on 1 June. A 27-hole golf course, large swimming pools, a state-of-the art fitness centre and spa as well as seven restaurants and 3 bars round off a perfect location for an enjoyable taste of Moroccan hospitality. ONDA and ACI have negotiated very attractive hotel room rates for our event delegates which will soon be available via an online booking system.