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Israeli pioneer of direct action protest movement

Lawrence Joffe
Thursday January 31, 2008
The Guardian

The Moroccan-born social campaigner Sa'adia Marciano, who has died in a Jerusalem hospital, aged 57, was the founder and public face of Israel's Black Panthers protest movement, and one of the most charismatic, if tragic, figures in Israeli society. He battled ceaselessly for Israel's poorer Sephardim and Mizrahim (Jews of Spanish and oriental origin) and at his death was still campaigning to provide food and heating for Jerusalem's needy.

Sa'adia was a lanky, long-haired 20-year-old when he first galvanised unemployed youths in the rundown Jerusalem neighbourhood of Musrara in 1971. The Panther moniker was an echo of the African-American group: "Golda Meir was aware of [their] reputation, and we wanted to scare her."

The rebels took to the streets, accusing Israel's European-origin Ashkenazi establishment of betraying their community. The Sephardim were a small minority when the state of Israel came into being in 1948, but by 1971, after immigration from the Middle East and north Africa, they represented almost 60% of all Israeli Jews. However, only 3% of top official posts and a fifth of parliamentary members were Sephardi.

The Panthers attacked the ruling Labour party for housing Sephardi immigrants in substandard ma'abarot (transit camps) and "development towns", and denigrating Arabic-Jewish culture. A spontaneous uprising soon turned into protests outside Jerusalem town hall. They bore coffins to symbolise the death of social equality, and stole milk bottles from outside middle-class homes to redistribute in disadvantaged areas.

The Panthers won attention after Marciano's face, bruised by police batons, appeared on television. In 1971 Golda Meir called them "not nice boys", and a month later 20 were wounded and 74 arrested when they clashed with police. But they forced her to call an inquiry and increase social budgets.

Marciano's group challenged two sacrosanct ideas of Israeli society: that Jews constituted one, indivisible bloc, and that social concerns had to wait until peace arrived. They also claimed common cause with Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the occupied territories, and were among the first Israelis to meet Yasser Arafat in 1972.

In September 1973, the Panthers won several seats in the Histadrut labour federation, but in the wake of the Yom Kippur war that October most Sephardim disagreed when the Panthers blamed Zionism for engendering social rifts.

In 1977 Marciano entered the Knesset (parliament) for the leftwing Sheli party. Three years later he formed the one-man Equality in Israel-Panthers party, but failed to pass the 1% election threshold in 1981. He then founded a drug rehabilitation centre, organised concerts and dabbled in film production. He later joined the Labour party, though he never stood for election again.

Despite their failures, the Panthers set a model for direct action in Israel, which has been followed by the leftwing Peace Now, Yesh Gvul and Four Mothers, and pro-settler rightist groups such as Gush Emunim and Zo Artzeinu. They also put social issues on the national table. The ruling Likud party launched projects to revive development towns; culturally, Mizrahi music has entered mainstream pop; and restaurants sell more bourekas, shwarma and hummus than bagels, schnitzels and gefilte fish. Since 1971 Israel has had two Mizrahi presidents and many government ministers. Sa'adia's cousin became chief aide to the Moroccan-born Amir Peretz, who was elected Labour's second Mizrahi leader in late 2005.

Marciano was born the sixth of 11 children in Oujda, a town on the Moroccan-Algerian border. He emigrated to Israel in 1950 after violence between local Arabs and Jews. He is survived by his wife Vicky; they had a son.

· Sa'adia Marciano, campaigner, born May 1 1950; died December 21 2007
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,2249494,00.html

Magharebia
Published on Magharebia‎ (http://www.magharebia.com) ‎
http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2008/01/30/feature-01
Morocco to launch Amazigh channel

30/01/2008

A Moroccan television channel devoted to Amazigh language and culture has stirred up interest from the Amazigh cultural movement. Government officials say the programming will cater to a sizeable number of Moroccan viewers, but one Amazigh activist is worried that the channel could be divisive.

By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 30/01/08

[Sarah Touahri] Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) rector Ahmed Boukous's staff will be responsible for producing content for Morocco's new Amazigh channel, with the aim of bringing Amazigh to an audience unfamiliar with the language.

A new Moroccan television channel will broadcast entirely in Amazigh, satisfying a long-awaited demand by a significant percentage of the country’s citizens. The Moroccan government is finalising broadcast specifications to ensure that the national channel, which will air a range of general-interest programmes, can soon begin operations, Communications Minister Khalid Naciri announced before parliament last Wednesday (January 23rd).

A statement from the prime minister’s office said that "the government is prepared to make all the necessary arrangements for the creation of an Amazigh television channel." The finance and communications ministries will foot the bill, which is expected to come to 168m dirhams ($21.7m), the National Radio and Television Company (SNRT) will provide the channel’s headquarters and a significant share of the staff, and the Royal Institute for Amazigh Culture (IRCAM) will be responsible for training and also some producing.

Plans for the television station were shelved in November 2006 because of financial difficulties, but the government is now determined to get the Amazigh channel on the air. A committee made up of the SNRT, IRCAM and the Ministry of Communication worked on the production, technical equipment and human resources aspects of the project before it was taken over by the government.

According to the minister, programmes will be broadcast in all three dialects of Amazigh: Tamazight, Tarifit and Tachlhit. "This channel is intended to cater to the needs of a sizeable number of Moroccan viewers in the fields of information, culture, education and leisure," Naciri noted.

IRCAM says the aim is to bring Amazigh to an audience unfamiliar with the language.

The creation of a special channel devoted to Amazigh language and culture has stirred up interest from the Amazigh cultural movement. Even groups which do not support IRCAM are welcoming the move.

Brahim Baouche, a representative of the Amazigh Citizenship Network in Rabat, told Magharebia that all Amazighs are eagerly awaiting the new channel: "It’s a kind of reconciliation with the Amazigh as part of a move to promote cultural diversity. The request by the Amazigh movement to integrate Amazigh into the public media will finally come to fruition." While the two national channels have certainly made efforts to broadcast programmes in Amazigh, he said, the shows are scheduled during off-peak viewing hours.

Said Ameskane, a spokesman for the Popular Movement, which has made defending Amazigh language a key policy, said the channel will meet the expectations of people who do not speak Arabic. He worried, however, that the creation of the new channel would create a kind of separation. He believes that an alternative solution would have been to broadcast more Amazigh-language programmes on existing channels.

"We’re all part of one society," he said. "No Moroccan can say he is either 100% Arab or Amazigh. Morocco is made up of a cultural mix."

Overseas property guides for anyone interested in buying property in Tangiers, Morocco. Plus, find property in the rest of Morocco.

Tangiers is a city in northern Morocco and its location means that it has long been held as a gateway to the Arabic world for people from Europe.

Lying on the coast of the continent, near the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, the city has a population of 669,680.

It is the capital of the Tangier-Tetouan Region and has long attracted creative people from Europe. In fact, William S Burroughs and Malcolm Forbes both opted to live in the city during their lives.

To find property in Tangiers and elsewhere in Morocco, visit: www.justoverseas.co.uk/propertyinmorocco

As a result of its proximity to Europe and its enduring popularity with foreigners, the city has many international educational facilities. These include the American School of Tangier, the English College of Tangier and the Tangier Anglo Moroccan School.

Lonely Planet has noted that the city perfectly captures the mysticism and romance of Morocco, praising its “hint of spice".

What's more, it added: "Jostling crowds, the piquant tension of debate, space in perpetual motion - the minute you set foot in the country you know you've arrived somewhere very different."

The site yourkeytomorocco.co.uk added that the city has attracted people looking for second homes because of its "narrow passageways teeming with excitement all the way into its port area".

It added that two very popular destinations for people thinking of buying properties are the Avenue Mohamed VI on the beachfront and the Place de France in the Ville Nouvelle.

Finally, the site said that the area around Grand Socco square is popular, explaining: "Mendoubia Gardens in the surrounding area of the square is a calm and cool respite from the crowds of the marketplace."

Pros of Buying Property in Tangiers

Many people have recently tipped Morocco as a good spot for investments and this is particularly true of Tangiers.

Michael Kent, marketing director of Moroccan Sands, explained that people could buy a ''decent villa'' in Morocco for around half the price of equivalent property in the Costa del Sol.
He added: "[Morocco] is very much at an investment stage at the moment - over the next five years I think we are going to see some really exciting projects.

"It's the sleeping giant of Mediterranean tourism really - everybody knows about it and it comes out with very high approval ratings as a destination."

Indeed, the Global Property Guide showed that prices in the country remain very reasonable. Its data suggested that the average price for a home in the country is $1,973 per square metre.

Website theoffplanstore.com suggested that buyers need to make a decision about whether they want a new build property or a more traditional home in Tangiers.

It explained: "If you were attracted to Morocco by its vibrant culture you may simply prefer to plump for a charming riad or dar."

Cons of Buying Property in Tangiers

While many properties in the city do not have the correct title deeds, it is vital these are obtained before a purchase is completed. Without them, a person does not own the house, regardless of how much they paid for the property.

When buying in Tangiers, it is important to employ a notary. Some experts have also suggested that hiring a local solicitor could be useful as they can provide sound independent advice.

What you need to know when buying property in Morocco

Foreigners are generally encouraged to buy property in Morocco and do not typically find it hard to secure a mortgage. There are also no restrictions on selling a home; although a capital gains tax of 20 per cent is usually required.

© Adfero Ltd
http://www.financedaily.co.uk/showArticle.aspx?loadid=00910

Press release from: Moorish Architecture & Home Decorating By Saint Tropez Boutique
Dieses Bild im Großformat speichern
(openPR) - Moroccan tiles are a testimony to their deep heritage and rich culture and are usually handmade or handcrafted. The practice of making handcrafted Moroccan tiles has been passed down through the ages. They are the true epitome of Moroccan culture and heritage. They showcase the different colors and designs that have influenced Moroccan design since the early days of Middle Eastern culture. Many people have loved the designs and the colors that handcrafted tiles bring to a room.

Why Are They Unique?

Handcrafted Moroccan tiles are unique because they are traditionally crafted by artisans from varied local materials. These tiles are made specifically in Morocco and wood fire is used to make them hence the natural variations in their color tone and shade. It is this aspect that makes the tiles unique even from each other.

The fact that customers are often encouraged to design their very own tiles with designs to suit their preferences. The choices of tiles are varied both in color and design. The handcrafted tiles also come in several shapes and sizes in order to make unique designs which are specific to the preference of the owner.

Zellige Tiles

Zellige tiles often come as loose tiles and some customers can make their very own Moroccan designs to suit their color preferences and tastes. Other tiles come pre-assembled and can be used to make up Moroccan inspired areas in the home. These pre-assembled tiles are also handcrafted but they already have designs of their own and they are already glazed compared to the designs your own tiles which will have to be fired up when you have decided on the design. Some stores even have a sticky paper backing where you can try out several designs. This is part of the uniqueness of handcrafted Moroccan tiles.

Some specialty stores carry tiles that are bigger in size and already have designs of their own. Some are handcrafted while others are made, with the aid of modern technology so technically, they are not quite the same because they are probably not made in Morocco nor are they handcrafted. The handcrafted Moroccan tiles are more expensive than the other Moroccan inspired tiles.

In spite of their price tags, many people still prefer handcrafted Moroccan tiles due to their authenticity and uniqueness. Many prefer to design your own tiles because they can really integrate their ideas and likes into the design. Saint Tropez Boutique of San Francisco offer this as part of their service, before having the tiles created individually for their clients in Fez, Morocco and flown to anywhere in the world.

For more info, please contact:
Mark Logan
Saint Tropez Boutique
25 Evelyn way
San Francisco, CA 94127
(415)-513-5920
www.sainttropezboutique.us

Saint Tropez Boutique is a manufacturer and distributor of fine handcrafted Moorish tiles, Moroccan tiles, Moroccan lighting, Moorish wood lattice, Moroccan furniture, zillij mosaic tiles, zellige tile, terracotta tile, limestone tile, Moorish inspired home decorating, Bedouin tents.

What: African Cup of Nations, Group A
Who: Ghana (1st, 6/6pts) vs Morocco (3rd, 3/6pts)
When: Monday 28 Janaury 2008, 17:00 GMT
Where: Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra

A Decisive Encounter

The Ghanaians have yet to impress in this year’s tournament, and even though the team lies atop their group with the maximum six points, a faltering performance against Namibia has left a lot of Ghanaian supporters wondering if the Black Stars can really go all the way to the final.

The team has particularly lacked that cutting edge upfront, and the defence has shown itself capable of caving in under some carefully-orchestrated pressure.

However, a mere draw will see the host team progress to the next round, and that should not be asking too much from the team.

The Ghanaian midfield is undoubtedly the squad's most treasured asset, and it is a central line that can hold its own against any country in the continent.

But coach Claude Le Roy will be looking forward to seeing how the other department in his team can step up their play and give the millions of supporting Ghanaian fans something to cheer about.

Meanwhile, opposite number Henri Michel watched with some sadness as his Atlas Lions were being tamed by a more purposeful Guinean side in their last group game. He was utterly disappointed with the all-round performance of his team, and at a press-conference after the match promised to make drastic improvements before this game against Ghana.

“We thought of injecting new blood in the midfield to make it more efficient but I just realised it was the whole team. We were affected as things didn’t work out the way it should. So, we are just working on it and expecting it to be better,” the Frenchman said.

“They made mistakes which they paid for. Next is Ghana, and that is all they have to focus on,” he concluded.

The Moroccans have it all to do if they are really intent on making it to the next round. Aside from the 11 Ghanaian players on the pitch of play, the team will also be playing against a vociferous crowd, all cheering on the hosts.

This is a massive game for both sides, and even though a draw could still mathematically take both teams through, the Moroccans really do not want to bank on Namibia pulling off a result against Guinea. Not even the bookmakers would want that to happen.

Down Memory Lane

The sides have met 11 times in the past, with the Moroccans coming out tops on five occasions, with four draws and two Ghanaian defeats.

In the 1980 edition of the African Nations Cup in Nigeria, this same scenario played itself out. The Ghanaians only needed a draw to qualify to the next round of the competition while the Moroccans needed to win and, bingo, the Moroccans got their victory against all odds.

This time around, the Moroccans will be the determining factor as to the pace and intensity of this game. If the Atlas Lions are able to apply enough pressure on the Ghanaians, the Black Stars could be forced to come out and attack as well, creating a fast-paced game of football. But if the Moroccan midfield cannot find a way round that of the Ghanaians, then we will have a game destined to end in a draw.

TEAM NEWS

Ghana

Claude Le Roy pulled a fast one on many soccer analysts in the last game with regards to his squad list. With several players supposedly ruled out with injury prior to the Namibian encounter, it was a shock to find them all on the pitch of play.

So, the team will no doubt however remain the same, as this match is as crucial as the previous two. A slip up in tactics for the Ghanaians could result in a loss against Morocco, and that would effectively end the tournament for the host team: a nightmare scenario to be avoided.

In goals should be Birmingham City’s Richard Kingston, who, since dethroning Sammy Adjei, has maintained the number one spot in the squad.

The defence should be manned by captain John Mensah and Bayer Leverkusen’s Hans Sarpei. The full-back spots would be held by John Paintsil and Erci Addo.

The team's midfield is set to be led by the England based duo of Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari. Hearts' Laryea Kingston would be on the right wing, while we could see son of legendary Ghanain striker Dede Ayew making his first start for the team on the left side.

Up front, the forward line should be led by Junior Agogo and Udinese's Asamoah Gyan.

Coach Le Roy should maintain his favoured 4-4-2 formation with a very compact midfield that absorbs the opponents' attack early and also feeds the attack. If this midfield is breached, however, then may can be problems ahead.

Morocco

Coach Henri Michel has promised to ring some changes to the side that performed poorly against the Guineans.

Hat-trick hero Soufiane Alloudi should return to the starting squad for the Moroccans. But otherwise, the substitutions will be quite hard to predict at present, considering the coach’s outburst at the performance of his team in the last game.

In goal, however, should be Raja Casablanca’s stopper Khalid Fouhami.

The defence is set to be led by Abdeslam Ouaddou and Talal El Karkouri, while Michael Chretien and El Armine Erbate should play out wide.

The midfield should have Tarik Sektioui in the starting line up, along with Soufiane Alloudi and Youssef Safri. Either Houcine Kharja or Youssef Mouktari could join them.

French-based duo of Youssef Hadji and Maroune Chamakh should comprise what is on paper a formidable front pairing.

Henri Michel should maintain a flexible 4-4-2 formation that sometimes transforms into a 4-3-3 later in the game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ghana- Michael Essien: The Chelsea midfielder should be instrumental to the squad in today’s game. His wealth of experience should come into play, ensuring that the team’s midfield holds strong against the rampaging Moroccans

Morocco- Youssef Alloudi: The hat trick hero should prove decisive yet again for his team. His impeccable positioning abilities might just be the difference between exit and qualification for the next round for the Moroccans.

PREDICTION

This is a very hard one to call. Neither teas has played particularly well so far in the tournament, yet they would both be conscious of the result in the other game being played simultaneously between Guinea and Namibia - thus, one slip in concentration could prove decisive.

But history has a way of repeating itself, and I just sense a reoccurrence of 1980. This might not be the popular opinion of many soccer analysts, but it seems to me to be in the offing.

Ghana 0:1 Morocco

Awenlimobor Sylvester
http://www.goal.com/en/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=563775

JOANNE KATES

jkates@globeandmail.com

January 26, 2008

93 Harbord

93 Harbord St., Toronto. 416-922-5914. Dinner for two with wine, tax and tip, $110.

I have now watched Ratatouille twice and I continue to find more of myself in the restaurant critic character. Differences aside (gender, animated character), he and I are more similar than we are different. We're picky, we're hard to please and we like the finer things in life. My detractors, whom I read whenever possible (for their entertainment value), enjoy accusing me of classist snobbery. That might be fun, but my food values are based purely on the taste of things. If the likes of farmhouse cheeses and wild-caught salmon sold for bottom dollar, wouldn't that be grand? But unfortunately a lot of really good-tasting things cost money and/or require significant labour to produce, so they don't go cheap.

I don't need upscale to be happy, but I do need great flavours. A big bowl of pho at Golden Turtle will make me as happy as foie gras at a stuffed-shirt platinum-card kind of place - happier, on some days. Which is why 93 Harbord is turning my crank. Chef/owner Isam Kaisi's Middle Eastern cooking is about as far from the basic dip 'n' pita school of cuisine as Jamie Kennedy's frites are from McDonald's. Kaisi is self-taught and had never worked in a restaurant before he opened 93 Harbord in 2003. Then it was notable only for being Toronto's first upscale Middle Eastern restaurant. Today, Chef's toque is taller, for in the intervening years he has honed his skill dramatically, which explains the buzz about 93 Harbord. His spicing has grown more assertive and jazzy, his technique masterful. But the tone of the restaurant is charmingly informal.
Perhaps at times too informal: On one occasion, we stand beside our table feeling stupid for a good three minutes before somebody offers to take our coats, and good luck getting water and wine glasses refilled on a busy night. One evening, we ask our server what's spicing the lentil soup. He has no idea, promises to find out and never comes back with the answer.

But if I could make lentil soup like Isam Kaisi's, I might not be writing this for you. Mysterious spicing aside, this soup is astonishingly flavourful. It's deep and rich and almost too exciting for words. Chef Kaisi's other two star turns among appetizers are red and golden beet bulgur salad, and shrimp with sour grapes (not the interpersonal kind).

Beet and bulgur salad sounds like something way too healthy, and in the hands of a lesser chef it would be bland but politically correct. Chef Kaisi builds a cake of bulgur held in place with chunks of red and gold beets, all dressed in stand-up-and-take-notice spiced vinaigrette. The moat around the cake is fresh mint chutney seasoned with arak, a distilled alcohol that lends a hint of anise to the mint.

Chef's shrimp dish is equally dazzling - barely sautéed shrimps atop apple rings that have been sautéed in cumin-spiked butter and sauced with dill and sour grapes. The light dill sauce goes from pleasant to exciting thanks to the slightly citric bite of the tiny (and truly sour) grapes.

Among other apps, one might particularly skip the grilled calamari, which are texturally uninteresting (neither marks nor sizzle of the grill) and not jazzed by their too-sweet fig salsa. Diners can be forgiven for mistaking dips for Middle Eastern food, but humdrum hummus and tired tabbouleh hardly speak for the cuisine. 93 Harbord's wardrobe of dips (aside from their surprisingly banal hummus) is both varied and jazzy. The tabbouleh, composed mostly of parsley and scallions, is spiky with flavour. Red pepper dip is jumped up with garlic and walnuts. Parsley dip is a jade river of more big flavours.

Chef's mains continue down the path of big flavours. Tagine (Moroccan sweet-spiced stew) of lamb has tender lamb swimming in ginger-scented red wine. Vegetable tagine has much more flavour than expected, thanks to its harissa-tomato mint sauce. The other vegetarian main, couscous "risotto," is equally astonishing in its flavour wallop. Cardamom, cumin, garlic, ginger, tamarind, cinnamon, lemon, harissa and saffron are the taste tools that this Middle Eastern kitchen uses to such great effect.

Plump chicken breast comes with sweet/sour pomegranate and walnut sauce. Lamb shank is braised tender and sauced with apricot and ginger. Tilapia, which is normally the most boring fish in the world, outdoes itself thanks to sweet, sour and spicy benediction of ginger tamarind sauce (the sour) with mango chili relish (sweet and spicy).

In another movie about a restaurant critic, Adam Sandler of Spanglish worries that his life will be no fun if an important critic gives his restaurant a rave and that neighbourhood customers won't be able to get tables. To the Annex-oise who currently crowd 93 Harbord, I apologize, and say: Caveat emptor.
from
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080126.KATES26/TPStory/Entertainment#

Thriving African tourism backed by private investments

* Story Highlights
* Moroccan private sector to play prominent role in developing tourism
* The country's potential was proven by large number of MTM attendees
* Event was supported by King Mohammed VI and organized by Rahal Group
* Morocco has been dubbed the new Dubai

By Sylvia Smith for CNN

MARRAKECH, Morocco -- The North African country with the fastest growth rate in tourism sent out a clear message that its own private sector will now play a more prominent role in developing its all-important travel industry, indicating that it is ready to use expertise acquired over several decades of steady growth to spearhead new initiatives that would put a large number of unknown sub-Saharan countries on the map.

Supported by Morocco's King Mohammed VI and inaugurated by the newly appointed Minister of Tourism, the Moroccan Travel Market (MTM) was organized by the Rahal Group, one of the country's most respected firms with interests in the entertainment and catering industries, as well as a budding interest in tourism.

A first for the MTM, confidence in the country's potential was underlined both by the number of those exhibiting at the event and further stressed by the thousands of enthusiastic travel agents, tour operators and international investors, the latter being partially responsible for the huge increase in tourist-related construction. While the Moroccan tourism sector does welcome a massive increase in foreign investment, this private initiative showcasing the diversity of its wares was undoubtedly intended to stake out its territory.

MTM President Abdel Karim Rahal referred to the event's success as a result of both Morocco's own natural resources and a greater global perspective.

"We have a wide variety of terrain from mountains, forests and deserts to beaches and modern cities," he explained. "We can offer hunting, fishing and eco-tourism as well as the more traditional beach holiday or cultural visits."

Rahal went on to lay out a vision for the future of pan-continental African tourism that would benefit from a network of interlinked groups. Each would have its own tourist destinations while still offering the proximity to its neighbor's marvels.

"We here in Morocco have shown that it is possible to achieve high visitor numbers. By making a north-south bridge we believe that tourists from Europe will discover virtually unknown areas of Africa," he said.

Rahal also stressed that King Mohammed VI was taking a keen personal interest in tourism-related developments and that all major decisions were made at the level of the palace.

This new Maghrebi perspective was apparent from the series of big white tents housing the exhibition center evoking the sense of north Africa. The main entrance was lined with scores of chanting and drumming traditional musicians and the glistening points of the tents echoed the snowy Atlas mountain peaks in the background.

Regardless, it is inside where the MTM revealed the international nature of its tourism sector by offering more than 250 exhibition stands ranging from Moroccan spas and specialist trekking organizations to exhibitors from Cameroon, Madagascar and Mauritania. It is hoped that the MTM will stimulate a more coordinated approach to tourism among Morocco's neighboring states to the south.

With India also exhibiting many of its colorful and appreciated holiday destinations, Marrakech remained the focus of the event. Investors pointed out that the main holiday property market moved outside the city, along roads leading to the mountains or away to the coast. Developers there build either detached riads in their own grounds or big Moroccan-style villas, houses and apartments on large complexes, usually focusing on a golf course.

Two years ago, the Association of British Travel Agents recognized the growing importance of the region by holding its annual convention in Marrakech. Alarmed by the drop in their own tourism market, the Spanish attended the MTM in droves, keen to invest and conduct business.

Stung by the fall-out from money-laundering mayors, land-grabbing developers and coastal over-pricing and over-supply, Spain is suffering from having its confidence dented and its property market brought to a near standstill. Prices on the Iberian peninsula generally are rising by five percent, only just above the rate of inflation. With April's stock market correction and now rumors of coastal demolition, the impression given is that Spain is in a negative loop.

Moroccan prices rose by 15 to 20 percent last year and the tourism push is also seeing secondary cities like Fez and Tangier benefiting from both large corporate investment and fledgling foreign individual interest. The contraction in its neighbor's market contrasts starkly with the building explosion being encouraged by King Mohammed VI, who decided some years back that tourism was the future for his kingdom.

Aiming to increase visitor numbers to 10 million by 2010, he has been establishing development incentives along Morocco's impressive Atlantic coastline, as well as inland. This ambition has been boosted by the European Open Skies policy that has seen low-cost flight operators opening new routes into the country.

Currently Marrakech airport is being extended to cope with this new influx. Morocco has already been dubbed the new Dubai and developers from the United Arab Emirates have recently committed to long term, billion-dollar investments that would bring luxurious lifestyle resorts in and around Morocco's most popular destination.

Nevertheless, Marrakech's market is underpinned by domestic demand from wealthy Moroccans in Casablanca and Rabat searching for weekend homes, and not solely reliant on tourists, as the coastal resorts are. Developments around Marrakech are top end, aimed at a sophisticated buyer who is happy to abandon being a pebble throw from a beach for centuries of history, color and the choice of golf, skiing in the Atlas mountains or meandering round the souk.

Inevitably showcase seminars presented at the MTM considered the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection. Several key speakers voiced concern over sustainable development and the impact of such a huge amount of construction, while questioning whether it could be sustained without having a negative impact on water supply and global warming. However according to one British tour operator visiting the MTM, the exhibition enhanced the notion of travel to distant cultures as a highly creative pursuit.

"You won't find the mundane, trivial or amateurish here," he said. "This steers us away completely from the idea that it is foreigners who are running the country's tourism industry."

It seems that the timing was just right for the MTM. With South Africa's Indaba Travel Market concentrating solely on southern Africa and another of Africa's premier destinations, Kenya, overwhelmed by tribal conflict, Morocco appeared on the international scene at just the right moment.

With some of the sharpest architectural designs for new tourist complexes on display, the exhibition was a forceful reminder that the number of foreign tourists who visited Morocco last year topped 8 million, reflecting the reality of achieving the aim of 10 million visitors by 2010.

It also seems that The Moroccan Travel Market will become the most influential travel market in Africa and that neighboring countries will share the benefits.

Find this article at:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/01/25/morocco.tourism