Real Estate Property Investment Series: Focus Morocco 2007

The Moroccan government realised that the way forward for their nation in terms of creating employment and boosting the economy significantly was to increase tourism and to create an environment so attractive for investors that they would come in their droves and buy up real estate stock.

To that end the government has been promoting Morocco around the world - there is a permanent stand at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida heralding the virtues of this North African nation that practically touches Europe across the Mediterranean Sea that divides it from mainland Spain for example, and now the skies over Morocco are open to cheap flight operators from across Europe and the UK. The nation has year round sunshine and is directly south and a short flying time from affluent Western Europe and all of these factors are starting to affect Morocco positively.

In 2006 in the first nine months alone tourism traffic was up almost 10% on the previous year with revenue generated from tourism up almost 30% which proves that the government are targeting the 'right' sort of tourist - i.e., the ones who come, stay, enjoy and spend money in Morocco! Looking to the longer term the Moroccan government has plans to increase tourism until 10 million visitors annually enter the nation by 2010. There are even plans afoot to build a tunnel under the sea to connect Morocco to Gibraltar in Europe...

'But why all this information about tourism' I hear you ask?

Because it is the tourism market that property investors in Morocco are targeting. On the one hand they are targeting those seeking villa and apartment rental and on the other hand they are aware that today's holiday maker is tomorrow's second, retirement or holiday home buyer. And investors really are in Morocco buying up and developing real estate stock. Already six brand new coastal resorts are in the planning and development stages, money is flooding in from Dubai and Qatar based development companies and European buyers are purchasing off plan knowing full well that their real estate assets are appreciating even before they are completed and handed over. Buyers in 2007 have a chance to buy in ahead of the continued predicted rise in tourism and before Morocco is established in many people's minds as a place to invest in real estate.

Consider buying off plan and flipping stock or better still, simply buying and renting to the tourism market on the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts or in the mountainous ski resort of Oukaimeden. Rental income is earned tax free in Morocco for the first five years and those who hold property for ten years or more pay no capital gains tax when they resell, furthermore one is not subject to local inheritance tax in Morocco either. In conclusion - Morocco offers an investor a wealth of opportunity. Basically an investor needs to consider his preferred investment approach and his target market and then seek suitable real estate with room for growth or with prospects for returning good yields.

Rhiannon Williamson writes about property investment worldwide, to read more about property investment in Morocco [http://www.amberlamb.com/index.php/property/morocco/] in 2007 and beyond visit her site [http://www.amberlamb.com]

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Visit Morocco With Flights to Casablanca Available at Budget Prices

Just across the Strait of Gibraltar, on the coast of North Africa facing the Atlantic Ocean, lies Casablanca. This cosmopolitan city blends the customs of the orient with the open ways of the Western world and is amongst the most fascinating cities to explore. With the wide range of packages and cheap tickets to Casablanca you can find nowadays, this city offers tourists fascinating cultural sites, natural spots and sparkling nightlife as well as an extensive choice of dining options.

All flights to Casablanca arrive at the Mohammed V Airport situated 30 km from the city center. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion and will soon be offering topnotch facilities for all travelers and increased chances to find cheap tickets to Casablanca.

Casablanca is no doubt Morocco's commercial capital, where Arab customs and western modern trends offer a kaleidoscope of contrasts within the walls of a city that essentially revolves around commerce and trade.

The Hassan II Mosque is Casablanca's landmark with its monumental structure that can welcome up to 2,500 worshippers within its walls and 80,000 in the outside gardens. The Old and New Medina are also worth visiting, notably the Old Medina with its two surviving gates through the old town walls where the tomb of Sidi Allal el-Kairouni lies as well as a fortress and a jewelry market.

The best markets and restaurants as well as shopping centers lie on the northeastern fringe of the city on the Atlantic Ocean. Here you will also find the typical Souks and street markets where magnificent carpets and leather goods can be bought at extremely good prices.

Here, hotel luxury and superior service makes for a truly relaxing beach vacation under the warm dry sun. The Corniche Beach is a good place to consider when planning to relax or go for a swim. The Ain Diab is the nearest to the city center stretching for over a mile of white sand and dotted with beach clubs and dining facilities.

Casablanca offers international and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine, downtown Casablanca being the best area in which to find a good restaurant. You may also try the Medina, where you can get a typical dish for only a few dollars.

With cheap flight to Casablanca you can also find great bargains for accommodation. Hotels range from luxury to low budget, whose prices vary considerably according to the rating of the hotel.

Casablanca boasts a warm Mediterranean climate with the summer temperatures averaging 24°C and winter temperatures usually remaining around 15°C.

Angelina Christy is a travel author who has written many articles that keeps on guiding the travellers throughout the world like flights to Casablanca. Angelina herself is an avid traveler who has travelled more than 22 countries. She also talk about travel options like Cheap Flights that explains how tourists can minimise the cost of their travel fares.

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Festivals in Morocco

Knowing when to be in Morocco is part of the fun of booking your trip. There are a number of Muslim and national festivals held throughout the year, and when you travel to Morocco, you may want to consider booking your vacation in conjunction with one of these events. In fact, almost every month of the year features at least one festival you can attend. The festivals are based on the lunar calendar rather than the western calendar so you will need to check with the Morocco tourism board before you book your flight if there is a specific festival you want to see.

In January, there are two festivals: New Years Day and Independence Celebration. New Years Day is a western celebration not unlike many held around the world. Independence Celebration is secular and is only one of five held throughout the year.

February is the celebration of Tafraoute and Aid Al Adha. Tafraoute celebrates the end of the winter rains found in the lower elevations of Morocco. The rains are helpful to the crops, but Moroccans also feel a celebration for the upcoming season is necessary. Aid Al Adha or A'd el-Khebir is a commemoration festival of Abraham's sacrifice. This festival is fun to watch, but you will not be able to participate in much of it.

March and April have four celebrations: Beni Mellal, Fatih Mouharam, Ashura, and Aid el Arch. Beni Mellal celebrates the cotton harvest. Fatih Mouharam is the Islamic new year celebration. Ashura is a day of tithing celebrated by certain local groups only. Aid el Arch is a celebration to honor the coronation of King Mohammed VI.

If you visit Morocco in May, expect to find Moulay Bousselham, Berkane, El Kelia des Mgouna, Labor Day, Id el Mouloud, and Ben Aissa Moussem festivals. El Kelia des Mgouna is also known as the Rose Festival and is held to celebrate the new crops. It is one of the most popular celebrations that Westerners enjoy attending.

June is the month of the Music Festival, Independence Day, Goulimine, Tan Tan and Gnaoua Festival. The Music Festival is held in Fez, and hundreds of musicians from around the world come to celebrate music and different musical traditions. It is a sharing of cultures and traditions, and visitors leave with a new understanding of what music is in other parts of the world.

July festivals include Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival, Tetouan, Sefrou Cherry Harvest, Al Hoceima Sea Harvest, and Celebration of the Throne. Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival depicts traditional Moroccan folklore through performances, theater, music and other art forms.

The Asilah Arts Festival, Celebration of the Young, Setti Fatma, Sefrou Moussem, El Jadida, Tiznit, Immouzeer du Kandar, and Immouzer des Ida Outanane festivals are held in August. Many of these festivals are popular celebrations of Moussem.

Chechaouen and Moulay Idriss Zerhoun host their Mouseem Festivals in September. September is also when Imichil is held; this marriage festival is held in the Atlas Mountains. It offers traditional marriage customs and costumes for visitors to enjoy.

September has only one festival called the Date Festival, which is held in Erfoud. November marks Ramadan, Independence Day, Eid al Fitr, and the Harvest Festival of Erfoud. December holds Rafsae and Hajj Day. Not all of these festivals are popular among Western visitors; however, if you are there when one of these festivals is occurring, you will likely encounter music, fireworks, costumes and other traditions. Any religious festivals should not be interrupted, but observed quietly.

Sam Mitchell is a freelance writer for Journey Beyond Travel, an eco-friendly, sustainable tour operator setting up a variety of Morocco tours. JBT specializes in High Atlas trekking excursions as well as other cultural itineraries. For more information on planning your Morocco holiday, visit Journey Beyond Travel's Morocco travel guide.

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