UNWTO Moroccan Tourism Startup Competition: Finalists Are Named
SUMMARY – UNWTO RECOGNIZES MOROCCAN TOURISM STARTUP COMPETITION INNOVATORS DRIVING RECOVERY AND SUSTAINABILITY. COLLABORATION WITH MOROCCAN AGENCY FOSTERS FRESH IDEAS FOR ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY BENEFITS.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) acknowledges impactful innovators shaping Moroccan tourism. These finalists highlight tourism’s potential for post-pandemic recovery, cultural heritage preservation, and rural-urban opportunities.
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Competition Draws 135 Applications
In November 2022, the competition attracted 135 applications across Morocco, focusing on five pillars for advancing Moroccan tourism:
- Innovation in Blue and Green Economies
- Innovation in Natural Heritage: Nature, Trekking & Hiking
- Innovation in Natural Heritage: Desert & Oasis Adventure
- Innovation in Cultural Heritage: Preservation through Innovation
- Sustainable Urban Futures: Innovation in Urban Tourism
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Finalists Showcased
Judged based on solutions and commitment to tourism as a Sustainable Development Goals pillar, the ten finalists showcase Moroccan talent and diversity.
- Blue and Green Economies: MOUJA, The Surf and Watersports Guide, NAMA SOCIAL HUB.
- Trekking and Hiking: ANEGMA, INTO THE WILD.
- Deserts and Oasis Adventures: UMNYA Morocco Experiences, TERRE DES ETOILES.
- Cultural Innovation: ATAR, MACHI MOUCHKIL.
- Urban Tourism: MAROCULTOUR, PIKALA BIKES.
READ: Africa’s Tourism Recovery Will Need Healthy Hotel Pipeline
UNWTO and Moroccan Agency Collaborate
The UNWTO and Moroccan Agency aim to invigorate tourism with innovation, fostering environmental and local benefits.
Morocco, a tourism leader, leverages innovation for post-pandemic recovery.
Fatim- Zahra Ammor underscores confidence in Moroccan startups, proud of the ten winners receiving mentorship, support, and global exposure. Imad Barrakad of SMIT applauds the promising sector’s innovative projects. UNWTO’s Natalia Bayona highlights startups’ vital role in tourism’s revival.
SMIT and partners Huawei, Plug and Play, and others support finalists with mentorship and acceleration programs. The Tourism Tech Adventures edition awaits the winners’ announcement.
READ: Moroccan Hotels Nominated for World Travel Awards 2023(Opens in a new browser tab)