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

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

The announcement was made at a 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 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 in November this year.

Discussing the role of Innovate Marketing Solutions in securing the deal, WTA president 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.

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.