Sleep like a sultan: Moroccan capital Rabat expands luxury tourism sector

With its warm temperatures and intricate history, the Moroccan capital Rabat is seeing growth in its luxury tourism sector, with five new luxury hotel projects under construction. One hotel boss says they’re seeing an increase in guests from Asia, particularly Taiwan. Once the former palace of Sultan Moulay Slimane during the 18th century, then a military hospital from 1912, this grand property is now the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat. Spanning two hectares, the hotel boasts an architectural design that reflects Moroccan heritage. The hotel's buildings preserve design elements dating back to the sultan's era, such as carefully carved wooden ceilings. “The goal is to attract the largest number of international tourists,” says Noureddine Sridi, a regional tourism delegate in Rabat. The hotel has 200 rooms and suites. Some lucky guests may even get to sleep where a sultan once slept. “We are very proud of the history of the place … the team is all aware of what it used to be and share the history of the place with all the guests checking in,” says general manager Gregory Viaud. Some 23 kilometres from Rabat, in Harhoura, the Conrad Rabat Arzana Hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. General manager Jean Yong Pittion says they’re seeing an increase in guests from Asia, particularly Taiwan. "In particular, Taiwan, for example, there's a tour operator and they show a great interest to Morocco, looking for a new destination, something new that a lot of people are actually looking at now." And regional tourism delegate Noureddine Sridi says guests don't just visit Rabat for the luxury, they're looking for a slice of rich history too. “The goal is to discover Rabat through its history, as it offers them a range of historical monuments, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Chellah site, the Oudayas, and the old city,” he says. Morocco, whose beaches, exotic cities and pristine mountains are popular among Europeans, relies on tourism for about seven percent of its GDP. This article was provided by The Associated Press.