Morocco's Bold $172 Million Initiative to Transform Draa Oasis into Ecotourism Hub

Draa Tafilalet Oasis.

The Moroccan Tourist Engineering Society (SMIT) has announced an ambitious $1.7 billion plan to position Draa Tafilalet as a premier ecotourism destination in Morocco.

Unveiled by SMIT President Imad Barrakad during a Development and Solidarity Council meeting in Rabat on July 17, the initiative seeks to leverage the region's rich natural and cultural heritage to foster environmental sustainability and generate local employment opportunities.

The comprehensive plan, which focuses on the "Desert & Oasis Adventure" sector, includes several key strategies aimed at enhancing the region's appeal. One major component is the improvement of air travel infrastructure to better meet demand and increase accessibility.

According to the announcement, the plan aims to maximize the impact of tourism investments by upgrading services and infrastructure to offer a superior visitor experience. It also places a strong emphasis on improving governance and implementing professional management practices for the destination.

To oversee these efforts, a Regional Development Society (SDR) will be established, comprising SMIT, the Ministry of Oversight, and the Regional Council. This organization will ensure that public projects align with local priorities, integrating various tourism offerings such as nature trekking, hiking, and desert and oasis trips.

The SMIT outlines that this initiative will be supported by three main financial strategies:

1. Tourism Accommodations Upgrade: An investment of MAD 515 million ($50 million) will be directed towards upgrading and expanding tourism accommodations. This includes renovating existing facilities, developing charming hotels, creating alternative rural stays, and establishing a green resort in Isli and Tislite.
   
2. Enhancing Tourism Visibility: To boost the region’s appeal, MAD 732 million ($68 million) will be allocated towards improving tourism visibility through better signage and enhancing prominent sites like the Todgha and Dades Gorges and the Sijilmassa archaeological site.
   
3. Renovation of Tourist Sights: MAD 429 million ($40 million) will be used to fund the renovation of tourist sights and experiences.

Additionally, SMIT’s plan introduces the Moukawala Siyahia mechanism, which will provide partial subsidies for targeted tourism projects up to MAD 30 million ($2.8 million), including climbing clubs and sand therapy centers. Smaller projects with investments under MAD 10 million ($900,000) will be supported through the Go Siyaha mechanism. High-value projects, such as the Cinema Museum in Ouarzazate and other notable attractions, will receive full subsidies.

SMIT is already actively involved in enhancing the region's tourism sector, but this $1.7 billion plan aims to firmly establish Drâa Tafilalet on Morocco’s tourism map.