With major investments exceeding 10 billion dirhams, Essaouira has reached a decisive milestone in 2024. Between ambitious tourism projects, industrial development and structuring initiatives, the Cité des Alizés is consolidating its positioning as a model of inclusive and sustainable growth.
On December 19, 2024, the signing of a 2.3 billion dirhams agreement for the development of the Mogador tourist resort marked a decisive milestone. This project, carried out in partnership with a Middle Eastern consortium, provides for a 35% increase in Essaouira’s hotel capacity, reaching 3,700 beds, and the creation of more than 4,000 direct jobs.
The first phase, spread over three years, includes the renovation of existing infrastructure, the addition of a Club Med, and the construction of a new clubhouse, as well as a commercial and leisure area. Seven years later, a second phase covering 266 hectares will definitively transform the Mogador station into a leading tourist hub.
Economic diversification: a winning bet
The “Essaouira Investor Day”, organized in July, also laid the foundations for ambitious economic diversification. Totaling between 6 and 7 billion dirhams, these investments target strategic sectors such as automobiles, renewable energies and digital.
These projects promise to generate nearly 27,000 direct and indirect jobs. Another pillar of this dynamic is the creation of an Economic Activity Zone (ZAE), designed to accommodate 150 companies. It will focus on key sectors such as the development of argan, seafood and creative industries.
According to the CRI Marrakech-Safi, this ZAE could quadruple private investments thanks to its incentive framework.
Infrastructure for development
The Regional Development Plan (PDR), with a budget of 2 billion dirhams, has also boosted Essaouira’s infrastructure. Among the flagship projects: the City of Arts and Culture (350 MDH), the development of the coastal road (380 MDH) and initiatives in favor of access to drinking water in rural areas. In the field of health, the Mogador International Clinic, inaugurated in July, illustrates the commitment of the private sector. Mobilizing 256 million dirhams, it creates 200 jobs and strengthens the local medical offer.
Towards a balanced and sustainable economy
Aware of the need to reduce its dependence on tourism, Essaouira is committed to bold economic diversification. The hinterland becomes a testing ground for innovative industrial sectors, guaranteeing a harmonious balance between cultural heritage and economic innovation.
HK / ECO Inspirations
