HM King Mohammed VI launched Monday in the northern town of Larache the construction of Lixus resort that requires an investment of MAD 5.6 billion (around USD 615 million), MAP news agency reported.
The king was briefed on the project, due to be operational in 2007, that extends on a 462ha area with a hosting capacity of 12,000 beds.
The project will be carried out by Salixus that comprises two international economic operators, namely Belgian group Thomas & Piron (T&P) and Dutch group Colbert Orco.
It is designed to contribute to the economic and social development of Larache and the neighboring region. The sea resort is expected to achieve an annual turnover of MAD 2 billion (around USD 219 million) and create 3,800 direct jobs and 19,000 indirect jobs.
Lixus is carried out as part of the Azur Plan that is designed to build new sea resorts in the country for a global budget of MAD 40 Bn (around USD 4.39Bn).
In addition to Lixus, Morocco intends to build five other resorts, namely Saidia Ras El Ma, El Haouzia (El Jadida), Mogador (Essaouira), Taghazout (Agadir) and Plage blanche (Sidi Ifni).
This drive is in the framework of Morocco's plan to attract 10 million tourists by 2010.
The Sovereign was also briefed about the evolution of the tourism sector in the northern region of Tangier-Tetuan, whose hosting capacity is due to increase from 13,000 currently to 45,000 beds by 2015.
© Morocco Times 2006
