Marrakech to Host Groundbreaking International Conference on Technological Innovation and Tourism Investment
On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the vibrant city of Marrakech will become the epicenter of global discussions on the future of tourism as it hosts the International Conference on Technological Innovation and Tourism Investment. Organized by the Moroccan Society of Tourism Engineering (SMIT) and the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, in close collaboration with UN Tourism, this event promises to be a transformative gathering for the industry.
The conference will bring together a stellar lineup of leaders, including Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism, Fatim Zahra Ammor, Morocco’s Minister of Tourism, and Karim Zidane, Minister Delegate in charge of Investment. Imad Barrakad, Director General of SMIT, will also join the ranks of prominent experts from the tourism and investment sectors.
This event is not just another conference—it’s a platform to explore the latest global trends in technological innovation applied to tourism. Attendees will delve into discussions on smart solutions,digital growth for small and medium-sized businesses,and the synergies between innovation and investment.
One of the highlights of the conference will be the awards ceremony, celebrating excellence in innovation. The ceremony will honor the most promising startups that participated in a competition launched by SMIT in partnership with UN Tourism. This competition aimed to identify innovative and disruptive projects capable of addressing the tourism challenges of tomorrow. For young startups, it was a golden prospect to showcase their solutions and gain personalized support.Beyond the awards, the conference will also announce strategic partnerships, underscoring the collective effort to position Morocco as a benchmark tourist destination on the international stage. As a land of cultural wealth and innovations, Morocco is committed to strengthening its innovative ecosystems, promoting its know-how, and solidifying its role in the global tourism landscape.
Imad Barrakad, General director of SMIT, emphasized the meaning of the event: “This conference is much more than a simple event. It is an inflection point which will allow us to build Moroccan tourism that meets the expectations of new generations of travelers and appeals to individual and private initiatives in accordance with the High Royal Directives.”
Key Highlights of the Conference
Table of Contents
| aspect | Details |
|———————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Date | January 28, 2025 |
| Location | Marrakech, Morocco |
| Organizers | SMIT, Ministry of Tourism, UN Tourism |
| Key Attendees | Zurab Pololikashvili, Fatim Zahra Ammor, Karim Zidane, Imad Barrakad |
| Focus Areas | Technological innovation, tourism investment, digital growth |
| Highlights | awards ceremony for startups, strategic partnerships |
This conference is a call to action for stakeholders to collaborate and innovate, ensuring that Morocco remains at the forefront of the global tourism industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative event that will shape the future of tourism.
For more facts, visit the official website of SMIT or follow updates from UN Tourism.
Marrakech to Host Groundbreaking International Conference on Technological Innovation and Tourism investment
On January 28, 2025, Marrakech will take center stage in the global tourism industry as it hosts the International Conference on Technological Innovation and Tourism Investment. Organized by the Moroccan Society of Tourism Engineering (SMIT), the Ministry of Tourism, Crafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy, and UN Tourism, this event will bring together leading figures to discuss the future of tourism. Key topics will include technological advancements, smart solutions, and the intersection of innovation and investment. The conference will also feature an awards ceremony celebrating groundbreaking startups and announce strategic partnerships aimed at enhancing morocco’s position as a global tourism hub.
The Vision Behind the Conference
Editor: dr. Leila Saadi, thank you for joining us. Could you share the overarching vision behind this conference and why Marrakech was chosen as the host city?
Dr. Leila Saadi: Thank you for having me. The vision for this conference is to create a dynamic platform were global leaders in tourism and technology can collaborate to shape the future of the industry. Marrakech was selected as the host city because it embodies the perfect blend of cultural richness and modern innovation. As one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations, it serves as an ideal backdrop for discussions on how to integrate cutting-edge technologies into tourism while preserving cultural heritage.
Technological innovation in Tourism
Editor: The conference emphasizes technological innovation. Can you elaborate on how these advancements are transforming the tourism sector?
Dr. Leila Saadi: Absolutely. Technological innovation is revolutionizing tourism in profound ways. From smart solutions like AI-powered customer service and virtual reality tours to digital platforms that enhance booking experiences, technology is making travel more efficient and personalized. As an example, data analytics is helping businesses understand traveler preferences, while blockchain is improving clarity in transactions. These advancements are not only enhancing the customer experience but also empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to compete on a global scale.
Investment Opportunities and Partnerships
editor: The conference also highlights tourism investment. What opportunities exist for investors, and how are strategic partnerships shaping this landscape?
Dr. Leila saadi: Tourism investment is a cornerstone of enduring growth. This conference aims to showcase opportunities in areas like eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and infrastructure development. Investors can explore projects that align with global trends such as sustainability and digital transformation. Strategic partnerships play a crucial role in this ecosystem. By fostering collaborations between governments, private sector players, and startups, we can create innovative solutions that address key challenges and unlock new potential in the tourism industry.
Celebrating Innovation: The Awards Ceremony
editor: One of the highlights of the conference is the awards ceremony. can you tell us more about the competition and the startups being recognized?
Dr. Leila Saadi: The awards ceremony is a festivity of creativity and innovation. The competition, launched by SMIT in partnership with UN tourism, sought out startups with disruptive projects that could address future tourism challenges. Winners were selected based on their ability to innovate in areas like sustainability, customer experience, and digital transformation. These startups will receive personalized support and opportunities to scale their solutions. It’s an incredible platform for young entrepreneurs to gain visibility and contribute to the industry’s evolution.
Morocco’s Role in the Global Tourism Landscape
Editor: How does this conference align with Morocco’s broader goals in the tourism sector?
Dr. Leila Saadi: Morocco is committed to positioning itself as a leader in global tourism.This conference aligns with our national strategy to leverage technological innovation and investment to enhance our tourism offerings. By showcasing our cultural wealth and fostering innovative ecosystems, we aim to attract more visitors and create sustainable economic opportunities. Events like this are instrumental in building Morocco’s reputation as a benchmark destination that meets the expectations of modern travelers.
Conclusion
The International Conference on Technological Innovation and Tourism Investment in marrakech is set to be a landmark event for the industry. By bringing together global leaders, celebrating innovation, and fostering strategic partnerships, this conference will shape the future of tourism and reinforce Morocco’s position as a global tourism hub. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or industry professional, this is an unmissable opportunity to be part of a transformative movement.
