Tourism & Hospitality | Sunday 8 February, 2015 12:15 am |

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, Morocco’s leading resort, has lined up huge celebrations for the Chinese New Year (CNY) from February 16 to 22, as part of a strategy to boost footfall of Chinese tour groups, ahead of Morroco’s plans to lift visa requirements for Chinese tourists and allowing individuals to visit the kingdom.

The resort has lined up assorted shows, including the CNY Parade, Kung Fu, the CNY Dance, Chinese Percussionist Beibei Wang, Kung Fu Minh Hien Vu, in addition to a rich and diversified Chinese menu in its outlets Jockey Club and Market Place.

Currently, tourism accounts for about 10 percent of Morocco’s $105 billion economy, second only to the agricultural sector, and employs 400,000 people. According to Stephan Killinger, President of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, and tourism expert, the inflow of Chinese tourists is expected to rise manifold in 2015, following the announcement of launch of direct flights between Morocco and China.

Killinger added: “Following the China-Morocco Economic Forum, plans were announced to issue tourist visas to Chinese individual visitors and launch direct flights between China and Morocco. The implementation is expected to begin this year.”

“Our role is to entice Chinese tourists and raise awareness about the unique tourism attractions of Morocco. This is part of our ongoing strategy to keep exploring new markets and build a community of loyal customers. The CNY celebrations will appeal not only to Chinese tourists but for all those who visit Mazagan in February,” said Killinger.

China and Morocco are moving aggressively to forge strategic partnerships, and one of the first measures would the lifting of visa requirements for travel.

For the moment, a few thousand Chinese tourists visit Morocco annually. His Excellency Dr. Lahcen Haddad, Minister of Tourism, Morocco anticipates the number to increase to hundreds of thousands by 2020.

According to Haddad, Chinese tourists heading to Morocco can stop by Spain, France, Turkey, Tunisia and the UAE and enjoy the beauty of those countries. “The current flights from China to Morocco transfer at Paris or Dubai, which makes the package tempting,” said Haddad.

Killinger concluded: “We promise those who love to explore cultures exciting stays at Mazagan.”

Situated 90 km away from Casablanca on a 7-km stretch of beach, Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort has 500 rooms that offer spectacular views of the ocean, lagoons and golf course, surrounded by 67 villas, landscaped gardens and a stunning swimming pool in the center.

Mazagan is spread over a 250-hectare site, and includes a golf course, stretch of beach, variety of restaurants, including Morjana, a Moroccan and oriental gastronomy restaurant; Sel de Mer, a seasonal seafood creations; Olives, a Mediterranean and Italian buffet; and Market Place, a world cuisine buffet from Asia, Africa, India and Europe that has a capacity of 400 guests plus many other restaurants and clubs, each offering a different experience.

Additionally, Mazagan is a leading exhibition and conference destination in North Africa region. The resort also offers to businessmen and their families exceptional entertaining stays where parents can have their own space, while their children enjoy their time in a three dedicated clubs -- ‘Baby Club’, ‘Kids Club’ and ‘Club Rush’. The resort incorporates a stunning spa offering relaxation treatments and much more.