Dubai (United
Arab Emirates), Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is set to further
boost its brand presence in Africa with the announcement of a third property in
Morocco. Mövenpick Hotel & Palais
Des Congrès, Marrakech
will soft open in Q4 2015.
Owned by Kuwait’s Al Ajial
Asset Fund, the 501-room five-star property will complete an extensive
renovation and expansion programme, costing approximately US$69 million, before
reopening under the Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts brand.
The hotel is a 15-minute
walk from the historic heart of Marrakech and just 15 minutes’ drive from
Marrakech Menara Airport. Among the 501 guestrooms and suites will be family,
business and executive rooms, as well as additional suites, which will be
housed in a newly-built wing.
Moroccan architectural
details and orange tree gardens complement leisure facilities such as a spa,
gym, swimming pool and children’s pool. Seven dining and entertainment venues
will include a signature Moroccan restaurant and nightclub.
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| Renovated lobby of the Mövenpick Hotel & Palais Des |
“Although it is usually
associated with leisure tourism, Marrakech continues to be a hub for business
and incentive travel. Owing to the world-class facilities within the hotel as
well as at the Palais des Congrès, attracting MICE business especially from
Europe, the Gulf states and the US will be a key focus,” said Alan O’Dea,
Senior Vice President Africa, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
A dedicated entrance
connects the hotel to Morocco’s largest convention centre, the renowned Palais
des Congrès, which will also be operated by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. It
includes flexible function space of 5,600 square metres, exhibition floor space
of 2,700 square metres, two auditoriums and outdoor event areas.
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| The Palais Des Congrès’ Salle Royale |
O’Dea also remarked on the
continuing importance of the leisure travel sector. “Development of the city’s
tourism proposition is key to the successful realisation of His Majesty King
Mohammed VI of Morocco’s Vision 2020 plan, which calls for an increase to 20
million tourists per year. Marrakech has long been the ‘poster child’ for the
country, with tourists attracted by its rich history, stunning old town and
proximity to Western Europe.”
“Last year’s announcement
of a proposed new airport for the city, capacity expansion at Marrakech Menara
Airport, and the growing number of international luxury hotel brands entering
the market, are indicative of the city’s long-term tourism potential,” he added.
Marrakech was recently
voted the world’s top travel destination for 2015 by TripAdvisor users.
According to statistics of the Regional Tourism Council of Marrakech, 2014
tourism arrivals recorded year-on-year growth of 6%.
Mövenpick Hotel &
Palais des Congrès, Marrakech will be the company’s third property in Morocco,
along with the Mövenpick Hotel & Casino Malabata Tangier and Mövenpick
Hotel Casablanca, which joined the portfolio last year.
