Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 - (Page 26)

DESTINATIONS AFRICA MOROCCO Hotels and activities in the must-see cities of Marrakech and Fez THE MOROCCAN NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICE is working hard to reach its goal of 10 million tourist arrivals by the year 2010. Building and refurbishing hotels are main strategies in attracting more visitors. Morocco’s “Vision 2010” mission is being aided by the addition of 115,000 hotel rooms. Fueled by billions of dollars from private investors in partnerships with the Moroccan government, new planned resort communities are springing up and major infrastructure improvements are under way throughout the country. U.S. visitors to Morocco increased 20 percent in 2006, and the tourism board hopes that number will continue to rise. Major hotel groups, including Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental, are planning properties in Marrakech, a popular tourist area in the foot26 | TravelAgent February 4, 2008 BY J. BERNHARDT hills of the Atlas Mountains. The newly opened Octogone Terre Resort and Spa (800-9154012, www.octogonehotels.com) is attracting a lot of attention, especially in the luxury market. With the earth (in French) as its namesake, Octogone Terre was designed to be completely environmentally friendly and make optimal use of its natural elements. A “green philosophy” is evident throughout the property, from sustainable building materials and furnishings made from local Moroccan materials to the use of homegrown produce in the restaurants to light and water conservation and recycling programs. The Princess Villas are perfect for couples traveling together, as each is composed of two separate suites that open to a common grand living room, terrace and private area. It’s an ideal combination of space and privacy. For affluent families, the Royal Villas are the best bet. They feature four bedrooms, four full bathrooms, kitchen, living room, study, dining area and garden. Some also have a private pool. One of the more popular experiences at the hotel is the Moroccan feast served in a traditional Berber tent. At the spa, book the Nomadic treatment, which includes a traditional hammam bath and scrub, massage and facial. There are four treatment rooms; reservations can be made at reception on the day of arrival. In the reception area, clients also can book day trips, including trekking in the mountains; a full-day city tour; excursion to the ocean by private vehicle, complete with picnic lunch; and camel rides in the desert. For shoppers and browsers, the hotel can arrange for a private tour of the souks (markets) in Marrakech. http://www.octogonehotels.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: Mid-Priced Hotels in Paris Europe Briefs Africa: Morocco’s Must-See Cities of Fez and Marrakech Africa News & Notes Pacific/Asia: What's New in Tokyo Pacific/Asia Briefs Hawaii: Lanai, Famous for its Pineapple Production, Repositions as “The Private Island” Oahu Hotels and Activities Las Vegas: New Nightclubs in Sin City California: San Francisco Keeps Pace with Demand Ski/Snowboard: The Ritz-Carlton Denver, Luxe Gateway to the Rockies Central & South America: North American Travelers are Discovering Brazil Latin America News & Notes Caribbean News & Notes Caribbean: Three Smaller U.S. Virgin Islands Resorts Cruises: Wave Season Rolls In Cover Story: Cayman Islands Transportation: Airline Issues Facing Agents Agent Profile: New Tzell VP Lisa Benzakein Aims to Pump Up the Agency’s Leisure Sales Technology: TRAMS Marketing Alliance Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar ASTA's Key Issues State of the Cruise Industry Caribbean Hotel News Australia Promotes Shorter Visits In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Victoria Clipper/Clipper Vacations Special Outsert

Travel Agent - February 4, 2008

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