UN Tourism in Morocco: Driving Investments and Celebrating Innovation in Africa’s Most-Visited Destination

RABAT, Morocco--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 29, 2025--

UN Tourism has strengthened its partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco, a key ally in its mission to grow innovation across Africa and boost investments into the tourism sector of the region.

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In an official visit to the Kingdom, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili celebrated its achievements in growing tourism and making the sector a pillar of economic diversification and sustainable growth. According to the latest UN Tourism data, Morocco welcomed 17.4 million international tourists in 2024, a 20% increase on 2023, making it the most-visited country in all of Africa.

Investment Guidelines for Morocco launched
To support the further growth of tourism across the Kingdom, in Rabat, UN Tourism officially launched “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Morocco”. The Guidelines – the latest in a growing portfolio of expert publications – outline the opportunities to be found in the tourism sector for international investors of all sizes. The Guidelines also set out investment trends and key areas of growth, including a focus on the Kingdom’s booming innovation ecosystem.

Supporting Moroccan tourism innovation

In Rabat, UN Tourism welcomed private sector leaders, including from SMIT Morocco, as well as leading entrepreneurs and small-business owners to celebrate innovation in the Kingdom’s tourism sector. In a keynote speech: “Global Trends on Tourism Tech and Innovation”, UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona highlighted the accelerating digital transformation of the sector.

Executive Director Bayona said: “Morocco's tourism sector has become a key economic driver, contributing 7.3% to GDP by 2023. With a remarkable 35% increase in international arrivals since 2019 and USD 10.5 billion in tourism revenue, Morocco is prepared to continue its growth. The country's stable political climate and strategic economic policies fortify this success."

Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Minister of Tourism Handicrafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, adds: "The Kingdom of Morocco's political stability, its competitive edge, the openness of its economy, the view on innovation and its forward thinking investment policies collectively positions the country as a privileged destination for both national and international investors”.

As part of the visit, an agreement was also signed to establish the UN Tourism Thematic Office for Africa, furthering Morocco’s role as a key partner in supporting tourism growth across the continent.

Top Start-ups recognized

The National Tourism Startup Competition, an initiative focused on fostering innovation in the Moroccan tourism sector and supported by the Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT), has successfully concluded with the participation of 137 aspiring startups.

Among these, five standout enterprises were recognized for their groundbreaking contributions. Leading the charge is Ecodome, securing first place for its innovative approach to sustainable tourism. In a tie for second place, ATAR and Pikala showcased exceptional potential with their unique offerings. Taking the third spot is Wanaut, noted for its creative solutions in enhancing travel experiences. Finally, Mouja claimed fourth place, impressing judges with its forward-thinking strategies. This competition highlights Morocco's commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and advancing its tourism industry through strategic investments and support.

UN Tourism officially launched “Tourism Doing Business – Investing in Morocco" (Photo: Business Wire)

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 12, 2026--

Global Critical Resources Corporation (GCR) today announced the appointment of Matthieu Bos as a Member of its Advisory Board. Mr. Bos is a seasoned executive with more than fifteen years of experience in the mining and banking industries.

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Mr. Bos is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Energy Materials Plc (TSX: FLCN) (Falcon), an anode material development company. Backed by La Mancha Fund, Falcon is building a battery material plant in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Prior to joining Falcon, Mr. Bos served as Executive Vice President Africa of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN) (Ivanhoe), a leading Canadian diversified mining company which has developed the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His responsibilities included corporate development, investor relations, concentrate marketing, and government relations. Mr. Bos also helped Ivanhoe secure more than $3 billion in financing and investment. Mr. Bos began his career in the metals and mining group of BMO Capital Markets.

Mr. Bos also has an impressive track record of advising companies in the natural resources sector. He will continue to serve on the board of Hercules Metals (TSX:BIG), an Idaho-focused copper exploration company, and SRQ Exploration (TSX:SRQ), a Quebec-focused nickel exploration company. Mr. Bos was previously Non-Executive Director at Elemental Altus Royalties, a precious metals royalty company which attracted the first investment in the mining sector from the Tether stablecoin, and Shanta Gold, an East African gold producer.

Mr. Bos holds a Master of Science degree in Metallurgy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, both from the Delft University of Technology. He speaks Dutch, English, and French.

“We are excited to welcome Matthieu to our team. His considerable experience and track record of success in the mining industry across Africa and the world will help bring GCR to its next chapter of growth,” said GCR’s Executive Chairman Cevdet Caner.

GCR Chief Executive Officer Richard Bunning said, “Matthieu’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to building a world-class advisory team with deep technical, operational, and geopolitical expertise. His leadership and unique perspective will accelerate the execution of our strategic vision.”

Mr. Bos stated, “I am honored to join GCR’s Advisory Board at such a pivotal time for the company. I look forward to working with Cevdet, Richard, and rest of GCR’s first-class team as they create a strong foundation for long-term success in this critical industry.”

Global Critical Resources Corporation (GCR) is a U.S.-registered producer of the critical metals that power modern life with assets in Africa and South America. GCR’s Executive Chairman, Austrian entrepreneur Cevdet Caner, has over two decades experience investing in the mining and property sectors and is the founder of several multi-billion-dollar real estate and natural resource companies.

Matthieu Bos, Advisory Board Member, Global Critical Resources Corporation