Casablanca is an oasis in the middle of the desert. This magical city once existed on the margins of the Sahara but is now a touristic destination on a par with larger cities. It is where the two cultures of desert and coast blend, and the climate is mild and welcoming.
Casablanca is a wonderful place to spend a Moroccan vacation. It is located in the northern part of the country, inside the urban area of the city. Its location makes it very easy to reach. The city is a famous vacation spot and is often referred to as the “Golden Gateway to Africa”.
The city of Casablanca lies at the heart of Morocco’s economy. It is the country’s largest city and the economic lung that keeps the country functioning. It is a bustling metropolis with a rich history, great culture, and endless potential.
It is the kind of city visitors flock to from all over the world, and with good reason. Casablanca is a regional hub for business, commerce, trade, and tourism.
Casablanca is a gateway to the country’s rich heritage, as it is situated at the foot of the great Rabat-Salé wall, the largest ancient structure in the world. As the country’s primary port and trading centre, Casablanca is a mainstay of the country’s economy.
Best Venues for Meetings
Therefore, in Casablanca, you not only get the best tourist attractions but also witness the grandeur of MICE tourism. Here are some of the top convention centres in the city –
La Foire Internationale de Casablanca
Located in Casablanca, Morocco, La Foire Internationale de Casablanca is an Exhibition & Convention Center. The top event organizers hosting events at La Foire Internationale de Casablanca are Reed Exhibitions, Gl Events France Co. Ltd., Elan Expo, GI Events, etc. Various events are held at the venue, such as trade shows, exhibitions, and trade fairs for Computer Hardware & Software, Electronics & Electrical Goods, Agriculture & Forestry, Apparel & Clothing, Telecom Products & Equipment, Automotive, Household Services, etc.
Hyatt Regency Casablanca
More than 120 travel industry leaders have recognized Hyatt Regency Casablanca’s award-winning service for its exceptional levels of service and guest satisfaction.
This Moroccan-inspired retreat features a rooftop infinity pool, Frette robes and slippers, and a newly designed lobby that elegantly blends Moroccan and Mediterranean architecture.
It has a total of 8 meeting rooms with a capacity to hold over 1500 people. The hotel is equipped with some of the most convenient meeting equipment, like AV Equipment, personal computers, copier, fax, meeting facilities, administrative services, and more.
Hotel Novotel Casablanca
Hotel Novotel Casablanca, located in the heart of the city, is a unique and comfortable hotel that’s affordable, luxurious, prestigious, yet understated. With its traditional style and service, the hotel is a great choice for business or leisure travellers alike. It is best suited for conferences, meetings, press conferences, networking events, trade shows and Exhibitions.
International Convention Center Mohammed VI
This convention centre is one of the most popular choices made by international MICE travellers. The total meeting space expands to over 45,800 square feet, and the largest room expands up to 16,000 square feet of space. There are a total of 16 rooms with all amenities required for a successful event. Apart from basic event facilities, the convention centre includes other amenities like a gold course, health clubs, an indoor pool, spa or salon, and tennis courts. Therefore, there is more to attending just events at the International Convention Center Mohammed VI.
The Grand Magador Casablanca
The Grand Magador Casablanca, a true flagship of the Mogador Hotels & Resorts, is located in the heart of Casablanca, just a few cables away from the main business districts and tourist attractions. It includes a convention centre with over 14 spacious meeting rooms. The total event space expands to over 1,000 square meters, and the largest conference expands to 800 square meters.
Top Accommodations to Stay
Casablanca also boasts of having a plethora of reputed accommodation options. Some of them include –
- Hotel Majestic: The hotel takes pride in exhibiting the best architecture and offering guests some of the most satisfactory services. It has friendly and helpful staff and provides a great breakfast.
- Mid Town Hotel Casablanca: Located only 5 kilometres away from Hasan II Mosque, this hotel is indeed a luxurious accommodation in Casablanca. Everything about this hotel is great, including the beautiful rooms, the big tables, and the amiable staff.
- Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca: It takes 3 minutes to walk to the beach from this property. The Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca is situated in Casablanca, next to the Anfa Place Living Resort. Guests can enjoy meals at the hotel’s restaurant, and the hotel’s outdoor pool and a hammam are open year-round.
Places to Discover
Casablanca is home to a plethora of activities and things to explore. Some of the best tourist attractions here are listed below –
- Hasan II Mosque: The Hassan II mosque is a powerful symbol of Morocco. The country’s most important mosque, it is also the most visited and one of the country’s most prominent tourist attractions. It is one of the most photographed mosques in the world, and the minaret, which reaches a height of over 200 meters, is a landmark for miles around; not to forget the exceptionally beautiful architecture and the intricate carvings!
- The Corniche amidst the Sea: If you wish to experience the fresh sea waters of Casablanca, stroll the eastern end of Casablanca’s Corniche road. From here, you can take dramatic photographs of the mosque jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. Ain Diab, Casablanca’s beachfront district, is just west of here along the Corniche road.
- The Central Market and Souq Haboos: On Rue Allal Ben Abdallah, Casablanca’s bustling central market (Marche Central), is a must-see for tourists who want to experience the city’s hustle and bustle. The market is ideally located right in the heart of the city, where locals come to purchase and sell everything from fresh produce to household goods. There are also many cheap restaurants serving hearty Moroccan dishes here.
- The Rick’s Café: Rick’s Café has to be on your list of things to do in Casablanca. The piano bar was designed by Kathy Kriger and architect Bill Willis based on the fictional setting in Humphrey Bogart’s classic Casablanca and opened in 2004. This bar boasts palm trees, brass chandeliers, table lamps, cocktails, and a baby grand piano tucked into an archway that will have you feeling like you’re in the 1942 film.
Image Credit: Regional Tourism Council of Casablanca