Morocco Showcases Its Tourism Renaissance at Global Summit in Casablanca

Published on November 20, 2024

The Morocco Showcase Summit: Tourism, Hospitality, and Investment will take place on November 19–20, 2024, at the Marriott Hotel in Casablanca. This bilingual event, held in English and French, will welcome over 300 international investors, hoteliers, and tourism leaders from 15 countries. Co-organized by the Société Marocaine d’Ingénierie Touristique (SMIT) and API Events, the summit aims to highlight Morocco’s potential as a premier destination for tourism and hospitality development.

The summit will serve as a hub for networking and deal-making, offering a platform for hotel investors, developers, banks, and industry professionals to explore lucrative opportunities in one of the world’s most promising hospitality markets. By fostering collaboration and promoting sustainable projects, the event underscores Morocco’s commitment to driving growth and innovation in its tourism sector, solidifying its reputation as a global investment hotspot.

Top Reasons to Attend Morocco’s Premier Investment and Tourism Event

This year’s highly anticipated event highlights the immense potential of Morocco as a hub for tourism and investment. Whether you’re an investor, developer, or industry professional, here are the top reasons why you should attend:

1. Discover Exciting Projects and Opportunities Across Morocco
   Gain firsthand insights into Morocco’s most promising tourism and investment ventures, showcasing the country’s dynamic growth and untapped potential.
2. Connect with Global Hotel Brands and Executives
   Engage with renowned hotel groups and decision-makers actively exploring expansion opportunities within Morocco. This is your chance to collaborate with key players shaping the hospitality landscape.
3. Network with International Professionals Working in Morocco
   Meet leading professionals from across the globe who are actively involved in Morocco’s development or looking to enter this thriving market.
4. Learn from Global Best Practice Examples
   Get inspired by successful case studies and proven strategies from around the world that can be adapted to Morocco’s unique context.
5. Explore the Impact of the FIFA World Cup on Morocco
   Dive into discussions on how the upcoming FIFA World Cup will serve as a game-changer for Morocco, creating unparalleled opportunities in infrastructure, tourism, and business.
6. Uncover Investment Opportunities in Capital Markets and Beyond
   Expand your understanding of Morocco’s growing capital markets and explore diverse investment avenues tailored to a range of industries.

This event is your gateway to unlocking the vast potential of Morocco, offering valuable connections, knowledge, and opportunities to drive growth in this emerging global hotspot.

Day 1

2024 Event Agenda: Discover Morocco’s Tourism and Investment Potential

15:00 – 16:30: Registration and Arrival
Participants will check in and receive event materials, setting the stage for a productive and insightful gathering.

16:30 – 17:00: Speed Networking
Attendees will engage in dynamic, rapid networking sessions to establish valuable connections and foster collaboration.

17:00: Welcome Remarks
The event will officially commence with opening statements, highlighting key themes and objectives for the program.

18:00: Sponsor Fireside Chat
An interactive discussion with event sponsors, offering insights into their role in Morocco’s evolving tourism and investment landscape.

19:00: Dinner
A networking dinner will provide an opportunity for attendees to connect in a relaxed setting while enjoying Morocco’s culinary offerings.

Day 2

Morning: Overview of Morocco’s Tourism Market
An in-depth presentation outlining Morocco’s position as a leading travel destination, including key market trends and growth strategies.

Midday: Hotel Investment and Development Sessions
Focused discussions on investment opportunities within Morocco’s hotel sector, covering challenges and innovations driving growth.

Afternoon: General Investment Trends and Opportunities
A comprehensive analysis of Morocco’s broader investment landscape, highlighting emerging opportunities across diverse sectors.

This two-day event offers a curated platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, and strategic exploration in one of the world’s most vibrant tourism markets.

Event Details:

November 19, 2024

Main Plenary Room Agenda

13:00 – 15:00
Arrival & Registration

15:00 – 15:20
Official Opening and Welcome Address

• Imad BARRAKAD (Chairman & CEO, SMIT Morocco)
• Faïçal TADLAOUI (Founder & CEO, Radio Factory)

15:20 – 15:40
Public Sector Keynote Panel

• Fatim Zahra Ammor (Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy)
• Faïçal TADLAOUI (Founder & CEO, Radio Factory)

15:40 – 16:00
What’s New for Barceló in Africa?

• Alain DEBARE (Partner & Head of Investment & Asset Management, HVS)
• Raul GONZALEZ (CEO, Barceló Hotel Group)

16:00 – 16:30
Networking Break

16:30 – 17:15
Setting the Scene: Current Outlook for Tourism and Hospitality Investments in Morocco

• Mehdi KSIKES (Managing Partner, Family Office)
• Selma BELKHAYAT (Co-Founder & Managing Director, AMS Africa)
• Younes Hajoui (Director of Investment Development, SMIT Morocco)
• Faïçal TADLAOUI (Founder & CEO, Radio Factory)
• Nabil FAHER (Investment Director, Westmont)
• Marcson BAKER (Investment Manager, DEG)

17:15 – 17:35
Risma’s Expansion Plan for the Coming Years

• Salim MIKRAM (Senior Advisor, Istich Consulting)
• Sofia LOPEZ-BENHAMIDA (Managing Director, RISMA)

17:35 – 18:15
Emerging Hotel Brands in Morocco

• JS ANAND (Founder & CEO, LEVA Hotels)
• Mohamed BENZAKOUR (Co-Founder & CEO, Stay Here)
• Philippe GAUGUIER (Senior Advisor, In Extenso Tourisme Culture et Hôtellerie)
• Marloes KNIPPENBERG (CEO, Kerten Hospitality)
• Wesam OKASHA (Managing Director & Board Member, TUI Blue Hotels LLC)

18:15 – 18:45
The Impact of Mega Sporting Events on Hospitality Markets in Host Cities

• Valentyna ARDONCEAU, PhD (Manager, Arthur D. Little)

18:45 – 20:00
Opening Dinner Reception
Venue: The Marriott Hotel, Casablanca

Breakaway Room

No scheduled events for this day.

November 20, 2024

Main Plenary Room Agenda

08:00 – 08:30
Arrival, Registration & Expo

08:30 – 09:20
Networking Breakfast
Enjoy coffee while reconnecting with peers.

09:20 – 09:30
Welcome Back Address

• Faïçal TADLAOUI (Founder & CEO, Radio Factory)
• Hamid BENTAHAR (President, Confédération Nationale du Tourisme)

09:30 – 09:50
10,000-Foot View on the Region

• Wayne GODWIN (CEO, JLL Africa)

09:50 – 10:30
Investing in Morocco Tourism: Updates from the Public Sector

• Imad BARRAKAD (Chairman & CEO, SMIT Morocco)
• Olivier GRANET (Co-CEO & Managing Partner, Kasada Capital Management)
• Hamid BENTAHAR (President, Confédération Nationale du Tourisme)
• Wayne GODWIN (CEO, JLL Africa)
• Thomas PELLERIN (Hub Leader, Maghreb & West Africa, IFC)

10:30 – 10:50
Keynote Interview

• Xavier GRANGE (Global Chief Development Officer, Accor)
• Julien BRACONNIER (Head of Hospitality, Voltere)

10:50 – 11:35
The Investor Panel: Why Morocco, Why Now?

• Hamza FAROOQUI (CEO, Millat Group)
• Youssef CHRAIBI (Managing Director, Magespro Africa)
• Ewan CAMERON (Director: Africa, Westmont Hospitality Group)
• Alain DEBARE (Partner, Head of Investment & Asset Management, HVS)
• Ken OGWANG (Senior Dealmaker, IDC)
• Mehdi KSIKES (Managing Partner, Family Office)

11:35 – 11:55
Networking Break

11:55 – 12:15
Keynote Interview

• Elie YOUNES (Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group)
• Fabio NAVA (Director – Advisory and Transactions, Africa, CBRE Excellerate)

12:15 – 13:00
Global Operators’ View on Morocco

• Reda FACEH (Vice President Development, Northern & Western Africa, Accor)
• David DESTA (Vice President: Hotels & Hospitality, JLL Africa)
• Shady HASSAN (Vice President: Lodging Development – Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International)
• Esteban LOZADA (Managing Director – Development, Hilton Hotels)
• Govind MUNDRA (Head of Development, Middle East & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts)
• Edgar OLLE (Development Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts)

13:00 – 14:30
Networking Lunch

14:30 – 15:00
Morocco Hotspots

• Othman Cherif ALAMI (President, Investour Holdings)
• Ludwig BOULDOUKIAN (Regional Vice President Development, MEA, Hyatt)
• Erwan GARNIER (Senior Director: Development, Radisson Hotel Group)
• Sylvain GILET (Director, AIRE)
• Abdellah ESSONNI (Development Advisor, Modon Hospitality)

15:00 – 15:20
Presentation: The Growing Role of F&B in Mixed-Use Developments

• Daniel MORGAN (Partner, TGP International)

15:20 – 16:00
Networking Break

16:00 – 16:30
The Rise of Eco-Tourism and Green Demand

• Wiam SAMIR (Director General, Sustainway)
• Bouchaib HARMOUZI (Development Director, Azalaï Life)
• Hicham HASSOUNI (Chief Business Officer, Our Habitas)
• Nawale SAOUD (Director: Projects & Development Services, JLL Africa)

16:30 – 17:00
Enhancing Leisure & Mixed-Use Developments: Spotlight on Food & Beverage and Gaming

• Othmane AKHERRAZ (Co-Founder, The Game Changer Company)
• Ivan CORNET (Managing Partner, Latitude Five)
• Ninon LAMOTHE (Africa Director, Consulting Hospitality, Tourism, Leisure, Voltere)
• Carlos ORTEGA (Head of Global Development, Palladium Hotel Group)
• Ali AKDIM (Director: F&B Cluster, Barceló Hotel Group)

17:00 – 17:20
The Château Roslane Experience

• Grégory FORTEMS (Manager, In Extenso Tourisme Culture et Hôtellerie)
• Rita ZNIBER (CEO, DIANA HOLDINGS)

17:20 – 18:00
The Banker Perspective

• Nasser BENJELLOUN (Deputy CEO, REIM Partners)
• Adel BARAKAT (Executive Director: Corporate Banking Division, Attijariwafa Bank)
• Catherine HENDRY (Executive: Property Finance Africa, Nedbank Limited)
• Lotfi LEBBAR (Principal Investments, EBRD)
• Imane BERRADA (Head of Real Estate Development & Hospitality Financing, Bank of Africa)

18:00 – 18:10
Closing Remarks
Presented by API Events.

Speakers

Fatim Zahra Ammor
Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy

Raul Gonzalez
CEO of Barceló Hotel Group

Imad Barrakad
Chairman & CEO of SMIT Morocco

Xavier Grange
Global Chief Development Officer, Accor

Elie Younes
Global Chief Development Officer, Radisson Hotel Group

Olivier Granet
Co-CEO & Managing Partner, Kasada Capital Management

Hamza Farooqui
CEO of Millat Group

Othman Cherif Alami
President, Investour Holdings

Othmane Akherraz
Co-Founder, The Game Changer Company

Daniel Morgan
Partner, TGP International

Valentyna Ardonceau, PhD
Manager, Arthur D. Little

Mehdi Ksikes
Managing Partner, Family Office

Selma Belkhayat
Co-Founder & Managing Director, AMS Africa

Sofia Lopez-Benhamida
Managing Director, RISMA

Reda Faceh
Vice President Development – Northern & Western Africa, Accor

Nasser Benjelloun
Deputy CEO, REIM Partners

Nabil Al-Fadili
Sales & Business Development Director, SDS

Hamid Bentahar
President, Confédération Nationale du Tourisme

JS Anand
Founder & CEO, LEVA Hotels

Simon Ardonceau
Founder & CEO, AIRE

Marcson Baker
Investment Manager, DEG

Adel Barakat
Executive Director: Corporate Banking Division, Attijariwafa Bank

Yasmine Bekkari
Managing Director, AMS Africa

Mohamed Benzakour
Co-Founder & CEO, Stay Here

Youssef Benabbés-Taarji
Head of Development, Dar Taarj SA

Amine Benkhalil
General Manager, Sol Oasis Marrakech by Meliá

Ali Akdim
Director: F&B Cluster, Barceló Hotel Group

Imane Berrada
Head of Real Estate Development & Hospitality Financing, Bank of Africa

Youssef Chraibi
Managing Director, Magespro Africa

Ludwig Bouldoukian
Regional Vice President Development MEA, Hyatt

Wiam Samir
Director General, Sustainway

Julien Braconnier
Head of Hospitality, Voltere

Ewan Cameron
Director: Africa, Westmont Hospitality Group

Ivan Cornet
Managing Partner, Latitude Five

Alain Debare
Partner – Head of Investment & Asset Management, HVS

David Desta
Vice President: Hotels & Hospitality, JLL Africa

Abdellah Essonni
Development Advisor, Modon Hospitality

Nabil Faher
Investment Director, Westmont

Grégory Fortems
Manager, In Extenso Tourisme Culture et Hôtellerie

Erwan Garnier
Senior Director: Development, Radisson Hotel Group

Philippe Gauguyer
Senior Advisor, In Extenso Tourisme Culture et Hôtellerie

Sylvain Gilet
Director, AIRE

Wayne Godwin
CEO, JLL Africa

Bani Haddad
Managing Director, Aleph Hospitality

Majd Hamamouchi
Corporate Business Development Director, Time Hotels

Bouchaib Harmouzi
Development Director, Azalaï Life

Shady Hassan
Vice President: Lodging Development – Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International

Hicham Hassouni
Chief Business Officer, Our Habitas

Catherine Hendry
Executive: Property Finance Africa, Nedbank Limited

Younes Hajoui
Director of Investment Development, SMIT Morocco

Marloes Knippenberg
CEO, Kerten Hospitality

Aboubakr Lahlou
Head of Hospitality, Al Hoceinia Hospitality

Ninon Lamothe
Africa Director: Consulting Hospitality, Tourism, Leisure, Voltere

Lotfi Lebbar
Principal Investments, EBRD

Ram Lokan
Principal – Investments, Kasada Capital Management

Esteban Lozada
Managing Director – Development, Hilton Hotels

Frédérique Masi
Regional Director, North Africa, Proparco

Salim Mikram
Senior Advisor, Istich Consulting

Hafid Mirabti
Director – Business Development, Middle East, Turkey & Africa, The Ascott Limited

Youssef Mouaddib
Deputy Director General, SDS

Govind Mundra
Head of Development – Middle East & Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Katlego Mphahlele
Senior Deal Maker, Industrial Development Corporation of SA

Fabio Nava
Director – Advisory and Transactions, Africa, CBRE Excellerate

Ken Ogwang
Senior Dealmaker, IDC

Wesam Okasha
Managing Director & Board Member, TUI Blue Hotels LLC

Edgar Olle
Development Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts

Carlos Ortega
Head of Global Development, Palladium Hotel Group

Thomas Pellerin
Hub Leader, Maghreb & West Africa, Industrials and Services, IFC

Ramsay Rankoussi
Vice President, Development – Africa & Türkiye, Radisson Hotel Group

Nawale Saoud
Director: Projects & Development Services, JLL Africa

Dineo Skwambane
Acting Head, Services Business Unit, IDC

Faïçal Tadlaoui
Founder & CEO, Radio Factory

Jameel Verjee
Founder & CEO, CityBlue Hotels (a member of The Diar Group)

Richard von Kalmar
Partner, Senga Bay Capital

Mohamed Yacoubi
Co-Founder, MELIA Capital

Ahmed Zairi
Investment Officer: Manufacturing & Services, IFC

Rita Zniber
CEO, DIANA HOLDINGS