Casablanca marathon partnership targets growth in sports tourism

Thursday 11 June 2026 - 07:46

By: Dakir Madiha

Casablanca marathon partnership targets growth in sports tourism

Casablanca has formalised a new partnership designed to strengthen its position in sports tourism through the development of its international marathon. The agreement brings together the Casablanca-Settat Regional Tourism Council and the Grand Casablanca Runners Association to expand the event’s visibility and economic impact. Both parties aim to position the marathon as a key driver of international visitor arrivals and regional promotion.

The cooperation focuses on coordinated communication and joint promotional strategies around the marathon. Organisers plan to design tailored tourism packages for runners, accompanying visitors, and international participants. These offers are expected to improve the overall experience of the event while encouraging longer stays in the city and greater spending in local services.

The initiative is also expected to generate economic benefits across multiple sectors. Hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and tourism-related businesses are likely to benefit from increased demand during the marathon period. Authorities and stakeholders involved in the agreement see the event as a tool to strengthen cooperation between private companies, sports organisations, and tourism actors in the region.

The partnership comes at a time when Casablanca is seeking to align its development strategy with large-scale international sporting events. The approach reflects broader national ambitions linked to preparations for major global competitions, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Within this context, the marathon is being positioned as a recurring flagship event capable of enhancing the city’s global profile.

Organisers aim to establish the Casablanca International Marathon as a permanent fixture in the international athletics calendar. The long-term objective is to transform it into a recognised destination race that attracts both professional and amateur runners from abroad. The event is also expected to reinforce Casablanca’s image as a modern urban hub with growing appeal in the global sports tourism market.