More than 60 Spanish tourism professionals gathered in Essaouira this week for a dedicated trade seminar aimed at deepening ties between the Moroccan coastal city and the Spanish travel market.
The event, held between February 20 and 24 as part of the “Essaouira Connect” initiative, brought together airline representatives, travel agents, and tour operators from Andalusia and Catalonia. It was organized by the Provincial Tourism Council (CPT) with backing from the Moroccan National Tourism Office (ONMT), and in partnership with Spanish carrier Vueling, the Andalusian Federation of Travel Agencies (FAAV), and the Catalan Association of Travel Agencies (ACAVE).
A central focus of the seminar was the direct air routes operated by Vueling connecting Barcelona and Seville to Essaouira — links that both sides view as key to sustaining and growing visitor flows from Spain. Alongside panel discussions, the program included B2B networking sessions where local operators presented the city’s tourism offering to their Spanish counterparts.
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Redouane Khani, president of the CPT, described relations with Andalusia and Catalonia as solid, and said the event was designed to translate that goodwill into concrete, lasting commercial partnerships. Regional tourism delegate Younes Dbirah added that the initiative gives local stakeholders direct access to new partners and helps position Essaouira more competitively on the international market.
Feedback from the Spanish delegation was largely positive, with participants pointing to the improvement in hotel infrastructure and the added convenience of direct flights. Field visits covered the historic medina and its ramparts, as well as guesthouses, hotels, and cultural and beachside facilities — giving attendees a firsthand look at what the destination currently offers.
Essaouira has been working to attract higher-value tourism while maintaining its reputation as an authentic cultural and coastal destination. The Spanish market, connected by direct air links and geographically close, remains one of its primary targets.
Source: (MAP)
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