Why the IMF and WB should maintain annual meetings in Marrakech

Maintaining the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Marrakech would give a much-needed push of support to Morocco’s earthquake-affected tourism sector, tourist operators say.

Morocco’s central bank governor Abdellatif Jouahri said at a preparatory conference in Rabat that the annual meetings are still planned for October 9-15.

But the two financial institutions are yet to confirm, as a final decision is expected today, Monday Sept 18.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, many tourists cancelled their bookings in Marrakech and its surroundings out of panic.

As the situation stabilizes, Marrakech remains largely unaffected save some old buildings in the old town with most of the damage suffered by villages in the high Atlas Mountains.

Tourism is the sector that offers most jobs in Marrakech, employing thousands and most visitors of the old city would also ascend the mountain visiting guest houses, trekking, and skiing when it snows.

Holding the IMF-WB annual meetings would send a message of reassurance as at least 15,000 people are expected to stay in Marrakech hotels during the event.

The best way for the two institutions to help Morocco would be to hold the event in Marrakech as planned.