Morocco prepares for boom time

Morocco is on course for a major tourist boom, according to tourism officials.

The Moroccan government is planning to develop the country's hotspots along the lines of the Costa del Sol.

It wants to provide more mainstream options for visitors in the hope of attracting ten million tourists to the country over the next five years.

According to the Guardian, plans for a string of "mega-resorts" will see hotels, golf courses, restaurants, bars and shopping centres appearing along the Moroccan coastline.

Industry chiefs have expressed concerns that the rapid development will compromise the country's long-term appeal.

But UK and Ireland director of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, Ali El Kasmi, have assured critics: "The resorts are being kept in the Moroccan way and Moroccan character."

The number of UK tourists to visit Morocco in 2004 increased by 26 per cent compared to the previous year, according to recent figures from the International Tourism Exchange Convention.

In total, the North African Kingdom received over five million visitors, with Spain contributing the largest increase in tourists at 44 per cent. Visitors from France and Germany increased by 27 per cent and 13 per cent respectively.