Jamaa lafna

Avec le thé à la menthe l’eau des vendeurs sera pour vous lame liquide de Marrakech. Avec leurs vêtements rouges, leurs chemises blanche, leurs grands chapeaux d’où pendent des cordons de tissu et des coupes de cuivres brillant ou de laiton, prêts à l’usage, les vendeurs d’eau sont l’un des emblèmes éternels de Marrakech, du Maroc, mais aussi de tout le monde arabe. Ce sont les même, se différenciant seulement par le costume, qui se promènent sur les places d’Istanbul, dans les rues, où l’eau, manquant toujours, est sacrée comme la vie, est le bien le plus précieux, le présent le plus simple mais aussi le plus riche que n’importe qui pourra faire et qui vous seras toujours fais dans chaque maison, riche ou pauvre, dans laquelle il vous sera donné d’entrer.
On peut la voir de tous les points de l’horizon. Le minaret de la Koutoubia, qui se dresse au coeur de la Médina à côté de la mosquée du même nom, est le symbole même de Marrakech avec l’immense place de Djamaâ El-Fana, tout de suite derrière le coin. Comme la mosquée, le minaret est l’un des joyaux de l’art Almouahad, construit sur ordre de Adb El-Moumen et terminé par Yaqucoub al-Mansour entre 1184 et 1189.
L’accès à terrasse la plus haute est interdit, mais de là-haut, par temps claire on peut voir jusqu’aux cimes de l’Azafi, à 30klm de distance. Les proportions du minaret sont importantes mais équilibrées et étudiées au centimètre. Ainsi le rapport de base entre largeur et hauteur est-il de 1 à 5.Il mesure 12.80 mètres de côté et s’élève à une hauteur de 77 mètres si l’on considère la pointe la plus élevée la plus élevée a 69 mètres si l’on s’arrête a 69 mètres si l’on s’arrête au lanterneau: comparaison n’est à envisager avec d’autre ninarets.
Même de l’intérieure, ce minaret en grès rose est à lui seule un spectacle admirable quelle que soit l’heure du jour à laquelle on veut le contempler. Ce grès, provenant des carrières ouvertes autrefois dans les collines voisines de Gueliz a la propriété de changer de couleur selon l’exposition du soleil, donnant au minaret, tout au long du jour, l’aspect d’une gigantesque torche toujours flamboyante.
Toute la construction est dominée par trois globes de dimensions différentes, le plus petit ayant un diamètre de quelques centimètres et le plus grand de presque deux mètres ; ces globes, en cuivre doré brillent eux aussi sous la caresse des rayons du soleil.
Une légende veut qu’ils soient le résultat de la fusion des bijoux d’or de l’épouse de Yaquoub al-mansour. Une autre légende prétend qu’ils sont gardés par des génies auxquels auraient affaire ceux qui voudraient s’en approcher avec l’intention de les voler.
Tous les côtés de la construction sont differents l’uns des autres ; la décoration est à base d’ornements floraux encadrés de faïence et de peinture sur plâtre. L’interieur de l’édifice se six salles, disposées les une sur les autres, en communication entre elles par une espèce de rampe. Dans la partie supérieure, une terrasse tournant tout autour du minaret, est couronnée par une serie de merlons d’une hauteur de 2 mètres. La Mosquée est située au Nord par rapport au minarét. On ne sait pas pourquoi la première mosqué fut détruite mais on pense qu’elle aurait été orientée dans une mauvaise position par rapport à La Mecque. Celle que l’on peut admirer aujourd’hui, construite-t-elle aussi sur ordre Abd elMoumen, est un véritable joyau de l’art des Almohades »T », comme à Kairouan, et résente un résumé des conceptions architectoniques des Almohades : revêtements en céramique, plan en « T », nef parallèle au mur du fond sur laquelle se dressent les coupoles les plus nombreuses et élaborées. Un style que les Almouhades devait aussi choisir la grande mosquée de Hassan à Rabat, commencée en 1195 et jamais terminée.
Marrakech ne serait pas aussi belle sans l’eau.
Et c’est justement l’eau que les Almouravides, fondateurs de la ville, cherchèrent en premier lieu.
Des eaux de l’oued Tensift, qui délimitent La Palmeraie et les 350 puits reliés entre eux par l’incroyable réseau des khttara, les canaux souterrains qui fonctionnent encore de nos jours, est arrivée la richesse qui a permis à cette ville aux confins du désert et des sables brûlants, de défier la soif, de donner le départ à différentes activités telles que celle du cuir, des tanneries et des teintureries, et de se doter de splendides jardins, plein de plantes de toutes espèces, de bassins monumentaux et de fontaines comme celles de Sidi El Hassan ou Moussain

Jamaa Lafna

Plus qu’une place, Djamâa El-Fna est un mythe qu’il faut voir, vivre, écouter, sentir. A elle seule constitue un but, une capitale à part dans la capitale, une place qui n’a rien à envier aux autres places européennes ou américaines, à ces autres lieux magiques où, au moins une fois dans sa vie il faut être allé.
C’est plus qu’une place, c’est encore une mer, une énorme scène de théâtre de 150 mètres sur 100, entre la Médina et la Koutoubia qui pointe vers le ciel, où le spectacle se transforme du matin au soir, où se concentre Marrakech toute entière, la population d’hier, vêtu à la berbère ou à l’Arabe avec ces femmes au visage voilé et les hommes aux longs manteaux épais ou légers, et la population d’aujourd’hui vêtu comme tous les jeunes actuels.
La place Djamaâ et-Fana est aujourd’hui ouverte. Elle n’a pas d’horaire à respecter. On peut y aller à tout moments. Depuis toujours c’est le coeur de la ville. C’est ici, « place des « trépassés » que les condamnés étaient exécutés dans les temps enciens. Il ya au moin trois place à voir, toutes différante. Au marché de la place vous trouverez de tout.
Des épices, pour rester dans le domaine culinaire : poivre, safran, cannelle, genièvre, cumin, noix muscade, piment en poudre. Et des montagnes de thé, surtout emporté de Chine, des cascades de feuilles de menthe. Il ne vous reste plus qu’à fermer les yeux est « regarder » avec le nez. « Regarder » et rêver alors que mille parfums vous entourons dans la tête, fruit des essences qui, avec le henné (la teinture que les femmes utilisent choisie par Mahomed comme symbole de la paix). Vous découvrirez dans de minuscules et mystérieuses bouteilles colorées. Au milieu de l’après-midi, sans que vous vous en voyiez aperçu, la place Djamaâ el-Fna s’est transformée en une grande scène de théâtre pour un spectacle se déroulant dans tous les coins. Il n’y a pas de billet d’entrée à payer. Seulement, parce que vous êtes touristes, si vous le voulez vous pourrez donner quelques pièces. Mais personne ne vous dérangeras.

Dar SilSila

A l'ombre de la koutoubia, à deux pas de la place Jemaa El Fna : Bab Laksour, au détour du derb, DAR SILSILA vous ouvre ses portes. C'est alors tout l'orient qui s'offre à vous où élégance et lumières secrètes se mêlent au son de la fontaine.

DAR SILSILA est une maison où chaque détail a fait l'objet d'une grande attention, chacune des quatres chambres est différente ce qui donne à l'ensemble une harmonie remarquable, un certain sens de l'espace. Des lieux intimes, des terrasses exquises loin de l'agitation mouvementée de la ville donneront à votre séjour toute sa signification.

Le maître des lieux aura eu la délicatesse de se soucier du confort de ses hotes jusqu'à la dernière heure du séjour, en réservant à leur intention s'ils devaient libérer la chambre, un salon particulier et salle de bain attenante, pour se reposer en attendant un vol de retour tardif…

Cela dit, si le besoin se fait sentir vous pourrez rester connecté avec le monde via Internet.

Dar SilSila 11, Derb Jdid Laksour, Marrakech - Maroc

marocco tourisme visit

Morocco Employment

Marok-Vacancy has conducted a kind of field research about the employment rate of folks with English backgrounds in Morocco and so far the outcome is drastically low. The research offers a blunt critique of the unfair labor market and the major research aim is set to reassess the recommendations of Morocco employment plan for Moroccans and expats with English backgrounds; Aka Anglophone. The research is focused on the government’s apparent slow attention to open doors for more business deals with American and British companies. Its stable employment policy stance towards the view that better employment performance can be achieved with international “Francophone” companies, since the majority of Moroccan graduates have more chances in integrating the Morocco-French job market than English one.
Job opportunities are pretty much available to wide majority of folks with decent level in French looking for jobs in offshoring sector in general. Though, little is the minority with English career interests, it unfortunately has less chance to find jobs that match their English career interest. Thus Morocco employment plan remains inefficient since the minority can’t find their dream jobs in English sectors.
Worth pointing out that the current steady economic growth promises a lot in terms of employment in Morocco it definitely gives a cheering picture of Morocco in the near future, but the picture won’t be satisfying without a fair balance between English and French job opportunitiesIt is significantly crucial to recognize the honest goal of the critiques conducted in marok-vacancy’s research because the aim is to shake the government’s agenda and remind them that there are highly qualified folks with English as a strong asset to work in Anglophone companies and perform satisfying quality.
Hence, should the government enact new actions to witness a more stable economic growth? Absolutely! It should definitely be an action of call for business cooperation with American and British companies. Maybe, stretched tax break plans, more flexibility with the planting conditions might lure them enough and would definitely encourage more international companies to plant their businesses in Morocco and refine the job market. At last jobs in Morocco will be available and the unemployment rate will be very significant.

About the Author
Check out the Best English Jobs in Morocco website. You will find all kinds of jobs

www.igomorocco.com Volunteer work M

Travel Africa : Five Safari Adventure recommendations for 2010

Whether it’s the spectacular safari of Tanzania, the excitement of the World Cup in South Africa, hanging with the jet set in Marrakech or the thrill of exploring the ‘beating heart’ of the Tripoli, make sure you visit one of our recommendation in 2010
SOUTH AFRICA
This is South Africa’s year, especially if you love the beautiful game, as it plays host to the World Cup in June. From Polokwane in the north to Cape Town in the south, the nine host cities have a wealth of attractions besides the footie, where any of the eight seeded teams could carry off the cup, although tickets for outsiders Ivory Coast or Chile are also worth having, according to former German coach Jurgen Klinsman. Polokwane offers the chance to explore the Ndebele village where the women adorn themselves and their homes, Durban has the Beachfront fan park with its huge screen and one of the world’s top ten family beaches according to the latest edition of Lonely Planet’s Travel With Children, while Cape Town has Table Mountain, Robben Island and some of the finest vineyards in the Cape.
See www.cheapflightsafrica.co.uk for information on the host cities as well as the games. Get cheap flights to South Africa from UK start from around £ 499 with various airlines.
MOROCCO Cheaper than other North African countries, Morocco offers excellent value. Marrakech, with its minarets and bazaar, is big on atmosphere, while the nearby Atlas mountains provide an insight into village life. Or follow in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix and enjoy the more relaxed vibe of Essaouira, a fishing port on the Atlantic coast where the windy climate has made it a mecca for windsurfers and water sports fans. June is a good time to visit to catch the Gnawas Music Festival, a celebration of the music played by people in the south of the country, and the town is a haunt for local artists. If you’re Naomi Campbell or equally minted, why not check in to the Kerzner Mazagan Beach Resort 90km south of Casablanca, opened by the supermodel last year and an oasis of pampering and golf.
Get cheap flights to Marrakech from UK start from around £ 99 with various airlines.
EGYPT
Most people who think of Egypt think of antiquities, but Egypt offers much more. Certainly it is a prime location to see our great heritage from the ancient world, including Pyramids and wonderful temples, but it is also part of the Holy Land, and tours to Christian and other religious monuments are popular. Yet Egypt also offers nature and desert treks, great scuba diving and even golf, fishing and birding expeditions. One may choose to relax on the wondrous Egypt Red Sea or Sinai coasts, take in the high culture of Cairo, or even leisurely float down the Egyptian Nile on a luxurious river boat.
Looking for cheap flights to Egypt from UK? You are just few clicks away to book your flights to Egypt on http://www.cheapflightsafrica.co.uk/egypt/. Our prices start from £ 149 with various airlines.
KENYA
Kenya offers the traveller an unparalleled range of options. The incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, wildlife and activities mean endless opportunities. With so many choices at hand, some people find the prospect of planning a trip quite daunting. It doesn’t have to be that way. In Kenya it is very easy to plan and prepare for a safari that is as individual as you are, and that satisfies your own personal needs and interests. If you are planning a trip, use this website to explore Kenya in advance, and decide where you would like to go, what you would like to see and what you would like to do.
In Kenya, you can experience a different safari every day like wildlife safari, beach safari, sport safari, adventure safari, culture safari, golf safari and many more. For more information about cheap flights to Kenya from UK, please visit www.cheapflightsafrica.co.uk. Prices start from around £ 249 with various airlines.
TANZANIATanzania is one of the unique destinations on the African continent that has yet to be discovered by many. It is a land of many wonders hubbing an un-paralleled diversity of fauna and flora. Kilimanjaro, the highest permanently snow-capped free standing mountain in Africa, the exotic Islands of Zanzibar, the finest game sanctuaries of Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha, Selous and the Marine Park of Mafia Island are only but a few of the living examples. The scenery, topography and very friendly people harbour the growth of excellent cultural tourism beach holidays, game hunting, historical and archaeological ventures – and certainly the best wildlife photographic safaris on the continent.
Besides cultural attributes, the other tourism attractions in the country include the rich game to view in National Parks, Game Controlled Areas and  Games Reserves. For more information regarding cheap flights to Tanzania from UK visit http://www.cheapflightsafrica.co.uk/tanzania/. Prices start from around £ 249 with

various airlines

The Problem of Water in Morocco

Water in Morocco: Data
According to the World Bank, Morocco still has one of the lowest rural water supply and sanitation access rates in the Middle East and North Africa: 56% for rural water supply and 35% for rural sanitation. This means that nearly two in three rural Moroccans do not have access to technologies such as the poor flush latrine. The World Bank also outlines two relevant data: the access to improved water rate is 80%, and the access to improved sanitation rate is just 62%.
Municipalities are responsible for rural sanitation, but they lack both the financial and technical capacity. As a result, there is a tendency to neglect hygiene and sanitation in rural areas.Morocco, as its Maghribian neighbours Algeria and Tunisia, suffers a situation of water stress. This is partly due to the economic policies that have undervalued and discriminated the problem of water and have attached importance to water depending only on its relevance in foreign trade. Examples of this economic approach in Morocco are the priority given to export agriculture and the privileges granted to the tourist industry in water affairs.
The case of Marrakech is particularly graphic: the two million tourists who annually visit this city use five times more water than the whole local population, which amounts to one million inhabitants. As a result of this unequal management, the access to water has become more difficult for the rural population and the water tables suffer from overexploitation.
Privatization of water in MoroccoSince the mid 90s, there is in Morocco a tendency to the deregulation, the privatization and the opening to the big foreign corporations for the management of traditionally public services. The fundamental sectors of education and health have also seen an increase of the presence of private capital, just as water management has been gradually put in the hands of private organisations. The case of the village Ben S’mimA very descriptive example of this tendency towards denationalization is the case of the village of Ben S’mim, in the Middle Atlas range. The residents of Ben S’mim have demonstrated repeatedly against the privatisation of their water source, which they consider to be a plundering of a communal resource. A private corporation is trying to acquire the source in order to bottle the water for its subsequent commercialisation.
Also, the inhabitants of Ben S’mim have released a communiqué in which they demand the interruption of the project, the overturning of the trial against 12 villagers accused of demonstrating against that project and the adoption of a true policy of development for the region that will allow the population to get out of the marginalisation and the absolute poverty in which it is immersed.
The case of Lydec in CasablancaA second example of this tendency to privatizing the management of water and sanitation in Morocco is the case of the two big French corporations that have been put in charge of the distribution of water and electricity, as well as the sanitation services, in three of the main metropolitan areas in Morocco: Casablanca, Rabat-Salé and Tétouan-Tangiers.
The case of the French company Lydec, in charge of the management of water and sanitation services in Casablanca, is a particularly illustrative case of the problems that arise from the private management of these services. The company has broken several of its contractual obligations with the urban municipality, and is accused of bad management, overspending and even fraudulent operations. Firstly, between 1997 and 2007, only 1.250 connections were carried out, a quite insufficient amount if compared to the 10.000 the company was obliged to by contract.Secondly, public opinion has harshly criticized the fact that the connection cost, which amount to €800 or .060, is exorbitant for a population whose average annual income is €1600 or .120. Moreover, in suburban areas, where water and sanitation are most needed, incomes are much higher. This piece of information contrasts with the figures of the combined profits of the three companies in charge of the private management in the three main metropolitan areas mentioned above: such profits amount to 8 billion dirhams, about 704 million Euros or 935 million Dollars, which is equivalent to 2 or 2.5% of Morocco’s GDP.
Also, the investment Lydec was obliged to spend according to the contract has proved to be insufficient: they were supposed to invest 3.815 billion dirhams, but the company only spent 2.074 billion dirhams, that is, only 54% of the total amount originally agreed. Finally, with regard to illegal activities, Lydec shared out profits before 2009, which is the date stipulated in the contract. In fact, between 2003 and 2006, Lydec had already distributed 560 million dirhams, over 50 million Euros or 66 million Dollars. Moreover, Lydec broke the law by unjustifiably transferring 678 million dirhams, amounting to 85% of the capital supposedly invested by Lydec, to shareholders and suppliers abroad.
Conclusions and solutionsSeveral associations and institutions, including the Moroccan Association for the World Contract of Water (ACME-Maroc), consider these two cases to be excellent examples of a wrong approach by the Moroccan administrations. The ACME criticises what they regard as an abusive and ineffective economic policy which turns citizens into consumers. By thinking that the State is unable to manage water and that only the market can put in practice the new methods necessary for an efficient distribution of this resource, the political decision-makers are in fact aggravating the already critical problems of water and sanitation services shortages. These organisations demand that access to water be considered as a fundamental human right and that its distribution be organised as a social service and not as a business regulated by the arbitrary laws of supply and demand. Also, they are opposed to the decisions adopted by the World Water Form, dictated by the big private water holdings of the world, and demand from the Moroccan government a critical attitude towards these economic interests.
They also suggest that the promotion of activities related to the production and distribution of water be based on a public-public partnership, between Southern and Northern countries, as well as among several Southern countries. Finally, these organisations also demand the institution the institutions of credible mechanism that include civil society in the follow-up and the control of the activities carried out by public organizations, so that the principles of participative democracy are put into practice.
As far as solutions concerns, ACME suggests the reduction in the short term of the squandering of water as well as the reorientation of the production sectors towards thriftier and less polluting uses of water, both in agriculture and in the tourism and industry sectors, especially in the petrochemical industry. As a main and deciding solution, various associations propose a return to a municipal water management, following the example of several Northern countries, so that the right to access to water and public sanitation is guaranteed.
If you are interested in the problem of water in Morocco, I invite you to visit the country in order for you to learn about it first-hand. You can even stay in one of the many hotels in Marrakech mentioned above, or in one of the charming traditional riads Marrakech has to offer. Once in Marrakech, you can get in touch with ACME-Maroc and even collaborate with some of the projects of this organization

The downfall of real estate in Spain and the rise of the Moroccan property market.

Real estate in Spain was once a flourishing market, with foreign investors and second home buyers all taking advantage of the housing boom which began way back in 1999. Low interest rates below the 3% mark enticed buyers from around the world; the phones at real estate agents would hardly stop ringing and the Spanish real estate market experienced a revolving door flow of customers, which drove the economy to new heights, never before seen or experienced anywhere in Europe.
However, now the situation in Spain has very much changed. Talk to any real estate agents in Spain, and you will hear words like ‘paralyzed’ and ‘dead’, both references to a once booming real estate market in Spain. From 2007, the beginning of the end came as the credit crunch hit major countries world wide, interest rates rose and house prices fell to as much as 14%. There are predictions of further house price declines expected in the next few years, with much pessimism for recovery. With over 1.6 million unsold properties, and around 1 million unsold newly built apartments and houses and almost 330,000 properties under construction. With low demand for mortgages, unemployment rising, the glut of homes along with the worldwide credit crunch, alarm bells are ringing for Spain’s government.
From Spain’s current predicament, a new country has risen to start a new boom in the real estate market. The Kingdom of Morocco has built itself on not repeating the mistakes made by Spain, and the current influx of foreign investment and interest in Morocco property has enabled the country to reach new heights in-terms of GDP growth, with Morocco’s government looking for steady progress, as opposed to overnight success experienced by Spain, which took a turn for the worst in less than a decade.
New tourist developments, as well as economy accommodation for citizens has proven to be most successful in Morocco in the last 5 years, with new investors reaping the benefits from capital gains that topped the 20-25% mark. Morocco real estate has certainly gone up a gear in the last 2 years, with large tourist projects at the top of the agenda attracting more than a quarter of a million second home buyers in 2009. The prospects look good for Morocco’s property market, with many buyers attracted by low prices, great mortgage rates, booming economy and tourist industry, with lessons having been learnt from Spain’s experiences, Morocco has emerged as one of the safest places for property investment.


About the Author
Ahmed Yermak operates a real estate agency in Tangier, Morocco and works with Maroc Techniques Management (MTM) in providing consultation on investment opportunities to foreign investors.
Ahmed Yermak also runs a blog at http://www.moroccopropertyguide.com that provides useful information regarding Moroccan property and the latest news and updates within this booming industry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQKPudGznBU&feature=player_embedded

A Travel Guide To Marrakech In Morocco From Rhino Car Hire

Stroll through the old Medina of Marrakech in Morocco, haggle with the shop keepers and enjoy the sights and sounds of the world’s largest square Djeema El Fna.
The Red City of Marrakech (meaning Land of God) is the third largest in Morocco and it is comprised of an old Medina along with the modern area.
Whether you go to the old stalls of the Medina or look for the fancier modern shops in the Gueliz, which is full of swanky restaurants, in Marrakech there is something to suit every consumer’s taste.
The souk of Marrakech is the largest in Morocco and its square, Djeema El Fna, is the biggest in Africa and perhaps the world. Obviously these are prime destinations for the tourist who wants to find what makes this beautiful city tick. The Djeema El Fna is full of snake charmers, pet monkeys and women trying to sell henna tattoos. These are usually the only things to watch out for, though there are occasional muggings to keep an eye out for. Also be wary of anyone who wants to give you directions, they may well have an agenda and somewhere where they want you to spend money.
In the souk you are expected to bargain for goods such as tagines, kaftans and tea pots. Doing so could get you the desired item at half price even. As well as the main souk there are many smaller souks and bazaars where all sorts of clothes and dyes are purchased. Bargaining is quite at art form in Marrakech, if you don’t have any luck with the stall / object you are targeting move on – this will often have the effect of making the vendor renegotiate.
Going to the souk at night is quite an experience as the outdoor dining is both romantic and entertaining. If you want cheap, high quality food try Chez Chegrouni, Cafe Agrana or Chez El Bahia. Unlike the food in many neighbouring countries it is perfectly possible to eat hygienic and delicious food from the local stalls which surround the square. There is plenty of fresh orange juice available to wash it down with.During the day all sorts of performers occupy the square such as dancers, jugglers and musicians. This is the lively heart of Marrakech and an unmissable experience.
More than one million people live in Marrakech which lies at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
To orientate yourself in the city you should head to Koutoubia Mosque which has a towering minaret and is delightfully lit up at night. In terms of other sight seeing opportunities there are the Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Saïd Museum which has local artifacts and the Majorelle Gardens which showcases Marrakech plant life. Majorelle Gardens is full of fascinating cacti and an oasis of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. Another place to cool out are the local hammams. Couples should go to the Les Bains de Marrakech which does the treatments in a private room.
Marrakech is a very crowded city, and there lots of markets where you can get bargains.
The traffic in Marrakech is crazy and you may wish to rent a chauffeur driven car. Having a guide is a good way to get around and see all that Marrakech has to offer.
Arriving into Marrakech you will most likely fly into the Marrakech-Menara Airport which has lots of low cost flights from destinations across Europe with airlines such as Ryanair and Thomsonfly.If you are hoping to make an inter Atlantic flight from Marrakech then you will need to change planes in Casablanca. Once you come out of the arrivals hall you will find ATM facilities as well as car hire offices. Car hire Marrakech is just about as cheap as everything else in Morocco.
For those who want to do tours of the surrounding area one recommended company is the Hostel Marrakech Adventures in Morocco. There are also firms which do hot air balloon tours of Marrakech, a wonderful way to see the snow capped Atlas Mountains.
If you are looking for discount accommodation in Marrakech it is plentiful. Riad Rahba, Hotel Smara, Hotel Essaouira, Hotel Central Palace, Hotel el-Ward, Hotel Atlas Hotel Central Palace are all good value.

Guide to buying a property in Morocco

Economy: Despite the global economic malaise, Moroccan GDP rose by 6.5% in 2008, compared with 2.7% in 2007 and 7.8% in 2006. The economy is predicted to grow by an average of 5.5% per annum from 2009 – 2013. Banks were very conservative during the global boom years and did not speculate in sub prime and now the Telecoms, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Mining and Services industries are growing fast. Real estate is also a major growth industry and the investment over the last 5 years from many of the worlds leading developers (Emaar, Quatari Diar etc etc.) is also having a positive impact in Morocco.
Once a French protectorate, the country has a modern economic system and a pro-west outlook with established trading links to both America and Europe where it is perceived as a strategically important stepping stone into the Muslim world.
Tourism: Kind Mohammed VI ascended in 1999 and is a young, forward thinking and extremely popular monarch. He has led many reforms including a comprehensive plan for the tourism sector called Vision 2010 that aims to attract 10 million visitors to the country by 2010, bringing in billion of foreign exchange and creating 600,000 new jobs.
As part of this programme, miles of coastline, urban locations and infrastructure will be transformed. This includes the “Plan Azur” – 6 super luxury coastal resorts that will attract wealthy northern European investors and visitors to the country. The plans are based on real and not expected demand – hotel and guesthouse occupancy rates were up by 9% in 2008, boosting the average occupancy to 49%. Marrakech recorded the best results with occupancy rates of 70%.
With 8 million people flying into the country in 2008, the Vision 2010 goal is well on the way to being achieved and makes the target of tourism providing over 20% of GDP by this time eminently possible. It is already the 2nd largest source of foreign currency and income from the sector totalled 7.55 Billion Dollars in 2007 when tourist arrivals totalled 7.4 million.
The tourism industry attracted Dh4.46bn (9m) in 2006, according to the Department of Investment (which only monitors large projects) and this represented some 22.3% of total recorded investment. In March 2006, two Dubai-based companies pledged an impressive bn over the next 10 years to tourism projects – this deal was the largest ever recorded.
The market is firmly established in France and growing rapidly throughout Europe, the Middle East and beyond. The Government has invested millions in advertising campaigns promoting the country as a premier cultural and lifestyle destination.
Property: The government have responsible development plans for their country. Strict planning rules limit development and this control means that new property is sympathetically and responsibly developed. In Saidia, building controls restrict the supply of more property around the resort for another 15 years. Subsequently, no more completed building works for another 20 years
King Mohammed VI has changed the laws, allowing foreign investors to take proceeds of property sales out of the country and there is a double tax treaty between the UK and Morocco to ensure that this is not paid in both countries.
Taxation: Value Added Tax is 20% for new build property and often included in the price. Municipal taxes (rates) are between 10% -30% of the yearly rental value of the property with a reduction of 75% if it is your main dwelling. Income tax is exempt for up to 5 years in Morocco but following this the rental income should be declared on 60% of the total at levels between 13% and 44%. Capital Gains tax in Morocco is currently 20% but is reduced to 10% for properties held for 5 years and to 0% after 10 years. This is required on all real-estate transactions and includes the difference between the purchase price and the price at which the property is sold, reduced by the selling costs and increased by the purchase costs, investment expenses and interest payments. Inheritance tax is 0% for family members but expert advice should be obtained prior to implementing any inheritance tax planning strategies. Most importantly here you should make a Moroccan will.
Communications: An Open Skies policy is now in place between Morocco and Europe and this competition for Moroccan air space means new routes and carriers are entering the market and fares are coming down. Ryanair, Europe’s leading low fares airline have announced the completion of a five year agreement with the Government of Morocco to develop low cost air access and tourism to the country from its bases throughout Europe. This reflects the Moroccan Government’s policy of encouraging significant growth in its tourism industry as well as providing low cost access for its citizens for business and leisure  purposes. The agreement covers most of the regional airports in Morocco including Oujda. Other airlines that provide comprehensive services to and within Morocco include Easyjet, Iberia, Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Atlas Blue, and Air Europe on a daily basis.
We all know that, amongst other factors, a healthy property market relies upon a thriving tourist economy. Free, easy passage for visitors via an efficient road system and public transport improves the quality and appeal of any investment location.
The announcement that a motorway construction programme to build a target 160 km of road per year until 2010 comes as no surprise within the rapidly expanding economic arena of Morocco. The result will be greatly improved communications to all areas of Morocco and a further increase in visitors who regard Morocco as an advanced country that competes well with EU standards.
Summary: Morocco is a fantastic year round destination and one of the most stable economies in northern Africa. In 2008, the IMF reported that its economy would grow over the next 5 years, even during the global financial crisis. Morocco has great long-term investment potential.
It has a warm Mediterranean climate ideal for year round tourism, 1000′s miles of unspoilt beach and a rich history / culture that attracts the more discerning kind of tourist and property buyer.
French, Spanish & English are widely spoken and because of a comprehensive government investment, programme, by 2010, Morocco will be well equipped to deal with a large number of international tourists. This growth is positioning the country as a leader in the worldwide property investment market place.
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