Sleep like a sultan: Moroccan capital Rabat expands luxury tourism sector

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Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. intricate / ˈɪn trɪ kɪt / (adj.) – having many small parts or details, and often difficult to understand or make
    Example:

    The machine has an intricate system of gears that work together perfectly.


  2. delegate / ˈdɛl ɪ gɪt / (n.) – a person who is chosen to speak or act for a group at a meeting or event
    Example:

    Ms. Jackson works as an education delegate in Manila, helping schools follow national programs.


  3. overlook / ˌoʊ vərˈlʊk / (v.) – to have a view from above something
    Example:

    Their apartment overlooks the river, so they always see boats passing by.


  4. exotic / ɪgˈzɒt ɪk / (adj.) – unusual, different, or interesting because it comes from far away, often from a tropical place
    Example:

    The restaurant offers exotic dishes with spices and flavors not common in our country.


  5. pristine / ˈprɪs tin / (adj.) – very clean and fresh; in a natural and original state
    Example:

    We saw a pristine forest with no trash or damage.


Article

Read the text below.

With its warm temperatures and intricate history, the Moroccan capital Rabat is seeing growth in its luxury tourism sector, with five new luxury hotel projects under construction. One hotel boss says they’re seeing an increase in guests from Asia, particularly Taiwan.


Once the former palace of Sultan Moulay Slimane during the 18th century, then a military hospital from 1912, this grand property is now the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat.


Spanning two hectares, the hotel boasts an architectural design that reflects Moroccan heritage. The hotel’s buildings preserve design elements dating back to the sultan’s era, such as carefully carved wooden ceilings.


“The goal is to attract the largest number of international tourists,” says Noureddine Sridi, a regional tourism delegate in Rabat.


The hotel has 200 rooms and suites. Some lucky guests may even get to sleep where a sultan once slept.


“We are very proud of the history of the place … the team is all aware of what it used to be and share the history of the place with all the guests checking in,” says general manager Gregory Viaud.


Some 23 kilometres from Rabat, in Harhoura, the Conrad Rabat Arzana Hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. General manager Jean Yong Pittion says they’re seeing an increase in guests from Asia, particularly Taiwan.


“In particular, Taiwan, for example, there’s a tour operator and they show a great interest to Morocco, looking for a new destination, something new that a lot of people are actually looking at now.”


And regional tourism delegate Noureddine Sridi says guests don’t just visit Rabat for the luxury, they’re looking for a slice of rich history too.


“The goal is to discover Rabat through its history, as it offers them a range of historical monuments, such as the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Chellah site, the Oudayas, and the old city,” he says.


Morocco, whose beaches, exotic cities and pristine mountains are popular among Europeans, relies on tourism for about seven percent of its GDP.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • In Rabat, hotels preserve historical architecture to attract visitors. In your opinion, is it a good idea to use historical places as luxury hotels? Why or why not? Do you think this helps people appreciate history more or less? Why? Discuss.
  • Some guests in Rabat may sleep where a sultan once slept. Would you like to have this experience as well? Why or why not? Why do you think this would be fascinating and appealing to people? How would you feel if you were to sleep where a royalty once slept? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Rabat is building five new luxury hotels to boost tourism and income. What kind of places or experiences do you imagine when you hear “luxury tourism?” What would make a luxury hotel worth the extra money for you? Discuss.
  • Tourists from Taiwan are choosing Morocco because it’s a new place to explore. Would you rather travel to a popular destination or discover a new one? Why? What are the benefits of visiting a well-known tourist spot compared to exploring a less familiar destination and vice versa? Discuss.