Abdelhak Chahli Takes the Helm of Agadir Souss-Massa Tourism Council
In a significant move for the tourism sector in Morocco, Abdelhak Chahli has been elected unanimously as the new president of the Agadir Souss-Massa Regional Tourism Council (CRT). This election, which took place on October 21, 2023, marks a new chapter in the ongoing development of the region's tourism industry, as Chahli succeeds Salaheddine Benhammane, who previously held the position for two terms, with the last term spanning from 2023 to 2026. Chahli, who served as the first vice-president of the CRT and also presides over the Agadir Souss-Massa Regional Hotel Industry Association (ARIH-ASM), is poised to build upon the achievements of his predecessor while advancing the region's tourism initiatives.
The transition comes at a time of remarkable growth in tourism activity, with nearly 1.19 million tourist arrivals and 5.16 million overnight stays recorded by the end of September 2026. The average occupancy rate is projected to reach 70% by the end of the year, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance accommodation capacity, with an anticipated requirement for an additional 4,500 to 5,000 beds to meet increasing demand.
Future Prospects and Challenges for Agadir's Tourism Sector
Chahli's election follows a thorough examination of the financial and moral reports from the previous term, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership. He has expressed a commitment to maintaining the momentum established by the previous administration while focusing on enhancing the region's appeal to both national and international markets. By improving air connectivity, diversifying tourism products, and increasing visitor traffic, Chahli aims to ensure that Agadir remains a competitive destination in the evolving tourism landscape.
"Continuing from the previous administration, we will maintain a steady pace of achievements and a collaborative working approach to strengthen our existing successes. Our ambition is to further develop tourism in the region, enhance its attractiveness in both national and international markets, and promote the richness and diversity of our territories and tourism offerings by bolstering air travel and consolidating the tourism product," Chahli stated, outlining his vision for the future.
The tourism landscape in Agadir-Taghazout has seen a notable increase, with arrivals up by 4.52% year-on-year and overnight stays increasing by 6.35%. However, the existing accommodation capacity poses a significant challenge, as the region strives to maintain its growth trajectory in the face of rising demand. According to Benhammane, the outgoing president, the past three years have witnessed exceptional growth that is expected to continue, especially with major international events like the 2030 World Cup on the horizon.
In light of current trends, the average occupancy rate is projected to reach 69 to 70% by the end of 2026, prompting investors to consider expanding accommodation options. The plan is to add between 4,500 and 5,000 new beds in the region to alleviate pressure on hotel offerings and support a return to double-digit growth rates.
Furthermore, significant developments are underway to enhance air transportation capacity, with plans to expand Agadir's airport from its current capacity of 2.6 million to seven million passengers annually. This expansion is critical to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors as the region prepares for the World Cup 2030. There is also a push to elevate the quality of hotel offerings, reflecting the growing importance of the tourism sector as a central driver of regional development.
In summary, the election of Abdelhak Chahli as president of the Agadir Souss-Massa Regional Tourism Council heralds a new phase of strategic growth for Morocco's tourism industry. With a clear focus on enhancing infrastructure, diversifying offerings, and increasing capacity, the region is set to solidify its standing as a premier tourist destination.
As reported by leseco.ma.
