HM King Mohammed VI gave His High instructions to waive visa requirements for Chinese nationals wishing to visit Morocco in June 2016 and the country has seen a positive impact on tourism from China since, with a 230% growth in arrivals in the second half of the year. Research shows 64% of these tourists are first time visitors, 53% are travelling for leisure and their average spend is $800USD for 6.2 nights.
This change has led to China becoming an important tourism market for Morocco and they are now looking to further strengthen their position as a destination of choice in the region by meeting leading travel buyers at WTM Connect Asia.
We spoke to Lesley Sanchez from Complete Tours in Morocco who will be attending WTM Connect Asia to find out more about her organisation, her tips for success in the travel industry and why she is excited about the event.
Tell us what you/your company does in 20 words or fewer? Provide all ground services in Morocco from landing to departure.
Tell us the 1 thing about your company/business that we need to know. Efficient
Why are you attending WTM Connect Asia? WTM Connect Asia is especially important to us as the Asian market is now key to our industry in Morocco since Chinese travellers no longer need visas to come here since June last year. We’re also really excited that we will have the chance to explore Malaysia and Penang during the FAM trips and dinners.
What do you like about your job? Diversity – never know what the next day will bring
What do you think is the single biggest challenge facing the travel industry right now? Politics
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in the travel industry today? Knowledge is power – know your product and always embrace new things they will make you stand out from the crowd
Where was your last holiday? Crete
How did you buy it? (online, travel agent, phone) Online Flash sale
Why did you choose that destination? Been previously a long time ago – love it
Which place is your favourite place to be in the world? Rome
You’re stranded on a desert island – what 3 items would you want with you? Yorkshire tea Bags, Wifi/ mobile phone and a handsome sun block applier!!!
Which travel company do you most admire – and why? Gate 1 – no matter where Ihave been in the world I have met their groups
How does social media aid the travel industry? Local knowledge at your fingertips 24/7
Name your favourite app and why. Whatsapp – international connectivity
Go on, let us know your musical guilty pleasure. USB Golden Oldies in the car full blast
What was your first job? Paper round – delivering daily newspapers
And your first job in the travel industry? Croupier on cruise ships
What is the silliest thing you have on your desk? Pizza slicer!
Tell us about a passionate interest you have outside the business. Football – Newcastle United
Who has been your greatest inspiration, and why? My oldest sister who took a rough diamond and polished it – she gave me my love of travelling.
What is your prediction for the year ahead in the travel industry? Guaranteed by December nothing will be the same as it is right now.
What is the one essential item you take with you when travelling? Wifi router.
Watch the video below to see what you can expect from a holiday in Morocco