Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, met with Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), on Monday to discuss the deepening partnership between the North African nation and the UNWTO. The meeting, which took place during Pololikashvili’s visit to Morocco, underscored the shared commitment of both parties to advancing sustainable tourism globally.
According to a statement from Morocco’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bourita and Pololikashvili deliberated on Morocco’s pivotal role in shaping global tourism strategies. The Moroccan Foreign Minister emphasized that under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has made significant strides in promoting sustainable tourism, viewing it as a critical driver for the country’s economic growth and social development.
A key highlight of the talks was the announcement of the UNWTO’s decision to establish a Thematic Office in Morocco. The office will act as a central hub for collaboration between Morocco, the UNWTO, and other member nations. Bourita expressed that this initiative aligns with Morocco’s broader foreign policy goals, which focus on “active, supportive, and pragmatic South-South cooperation.”
In addition, Bourita outlined Morocco’s preparations to host two major sporting events: the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 FIFA World Cup. He pointed out that these events offer an unparalleled opportunity for Morocco to not only showcase its tourism potential but also to promote sustainable practices in sports tourism. Bourita stressed that sports tourism remains a cornerstone of Morocco’s development strategy, contributing to peace and fostering unity among nations.
The strengthened partnership between Morocco and the UNWTO is expected to further bolster the country’s position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism, while reinforcing its role in fostering regional cooperation and international diplomacy.