Morocco 'is great for walking breaks'

Those who like to don a pair of walking boots whilst on holiday have been advised to head to Morocco by one industry expert.

According to architects, designers, planners and consultants Gensler Morocco is a picturesque country which is ideal for enjoying a stroll around on a lazy afternoon.

Whether or not it is down to its walking credentials Morocco certainly seems to be attracting a fair few tourists.

The country's Ministry of Tourism reports that there were 7.41 million tourists to the country in 2007 – up 13 per cent from the previous year's 6.56 million.

Furthermore, between January and July 2008 there were 5.7 million visitors to Morocco – up eight per cent from the 5.26 million recorded during the same period in 2007.

Peter Sheard, senior associate at Gensler, addressed the WaterfrontExpo conference at the Liverpool arena and convention centre on Tuesday 4th November 2008 about the charms of Morocco.

He said: "Rabat is on the Atlantic coastline, it is very hostile [in terms of weather] and it is very beautiful.

"Morocco has been associated with trading and history for a long time but it is popular for walking activities and fishing and it is something that remains popular within Rabat to this day."

He added that Rabat has a relationship with its waterfront, which is heavily connected with the local environment.

Furthermore, the "strong network" of parks and open spaces have a "certain beauty" which continues to attract tourists to the African nation.

At the same conference Mr Sheard also spoke of the "rapidly … expanding" tourist industry in Abu Dhabi - a city that is "rather isolated" from its waterfront.

Property firm Asteco recently reported that rental rates for quality apartments in Abu Dhabi had increased by 87 per cent between July and September 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.

Mr Sheard, explained: "Abu Dhabi is a place that is expanding very rapidly - like Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain and the other countries in that region."

He added: "Abu Dhabi realises that there is so much investment coming in and so much development that it has to get a handle on how it is going to redevelop itself as a city and it has got a 2030 plan."