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Fez - Morocco, Moroccan-Emirati Development Company (SOMED) and Spanish Barçelo Hotel-Resorts group signed on Wednesday a management contract to run the "Barçelo les Almohades" hotel.

The contract was signed by Tourism Minister, Mohamed Boussaid, the Chief Executive Official of Somed, Marouane Tarafa, and the leader of Barçelo Hôtel-Resorts, Antonio Domenech.

The construction of this new hotel, to cost 100 million dirhams (12 million dollars), is part of the Regional Development Plan for Tourism (PDRT). It is expected to give momentum to the tourist and economic development of Fez (200 km east of Rabat), Boussaid said.

The unit will also reinforce Morocco's hotel capacity, a key element in the 2010 vision, he said, adding that Fez shows that the national tourism is doing well despite the grim global economy.

For their part, Marouane Tarafa and Antonio Domenech said the improvement of road, rail and air transport will turn Fez into a thriving tourist destination.

Somed helps creating jobs and promoting Morocco’s socio-economic development, they said, noting that group runs six hotel units with a 3000-bed capacity in Morocco. It is also building two other hotels in Marrakech and Fez, and is participating in the EL Jadida Mazagan project.

The first 4-star Barçelo les Almohades hotel of Fez will open doors in 2011. It will comprise mainly 130 rooms and a 500-square meter spa and shops.

The Barçelo Hotel-Resorts is a leading Spanish hotel chain with about 184 hotels in 16 countries.

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