Saudi Arabia and Morocco Strengthen Tourism Cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Morocco have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at encouraging and developing cooperation in tourism and coordinating efforts to achieve sustainable development of the tourism industry in both countries. The MOU was signed by the Saudi Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al-Khateeb, and the Moroccan Minister of Tourism, Fatima-Zahra Ammor, during the 117th session of the Executive Council meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. The agreement reflects the strong relations between the two countries and their shared vision for strengthening partnership and raising prospects for cooperation in the tourism sector.

Key Takeaways:

• The MOU aims to strengthen cooperation in tourism and promote sustainable tourism development in both countries.
• Saudi Arabia and Morocco will work together to achieve sustainable tourism, increase training and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and provide new opportunities for tourism investments.
• The agreement will also support efforts to empower local communities and provide job opportunities.
• Saudi Arabia is one of Morocco's largest trading partners in the Arab world and has invested $26.6 million in the form of investments in the real estate, tourism, and agricultural sectors in Morocco in 2020.
• The MOU will provide more tourism investment opportunities in both countries and allow for training sessions and the exchange of experiences.
• Saudi Arabia and Morocco will work together to protect their rich heritage sites and natural marine, mountainous, and desert areas.
• The agreement will give priority to youth development in tourism plans and aim to make the tourism sector more sustainable, flexible, and inclusive.

Statistics:

• $26.6 million: Amount invested by Saudi Arabia in Morocco in the form of investments in the real estate, tourism, and agricultural sectors in 2020.
• 2020: Year in which Saudi Arabia invested $26.6 million in Morocco.
• 117th: Session number of the Executive Council meeting of the United Nations World Tourism Organization where the MOU was signed.

Sources:

• SPA (Saudi Press Agency)
• United Nations World Tourism Organization