Saïd Mouhid, Managing Director of the Casablanca Regional Tourism Council

What is the aim of the Casablanca 2012 Programme Contract?

Saïd Mouhid - Tourism is a cross-cutting industry that generates income for a wide range of activities: construction, textiles, agriculture, etc. But as long as 'tourism' rhymed with 'exoticism', Casablanca was unable to establish itself on the leisure market and remained primarily a business destination. The development of 'urban tourism' offers us new opportunities. We have a number of assets: a privileged position on the sea, a coastline that has not been disfigured and the juxtaposition of Moroccan tradition and modernity. Casablanca 2012 aims to consolidate our image and highlight these assets through major development projects.

What are the main projects?

S. M. - Development starts with coastal development, with around twenty coastal projects spread between Casablanca and Mohammedia: These include the Casablanca Marina, the Casa City Center developed with Accor, the new convention centre on the Corniche, the renovation of the harbour station, the construction of a pedestrian promenade along the Corniche, the expansion of the Sindibad amusement park, etc. Many changes are also planned around the Hassan II mosque, with the construction of a large aquarium and the opening of a cultural complex in the buildings on the mosque esplanade.