The second edition of the International Conference on Languages, Tourism and Heritage in Morocco closes with distinction

The second edition of the International Conference on Languages, Tourism and Heritage in Morocco closes with distinction

The curtain fell on Saturday evening in Errachidia on the activities of the second edition of the International Conference on Languages, Tourism and Heritage in Morocco, after three days of academic discussions and cultural activities that turned the city into an open space for scholarly dialogue and cultural interaction around heritage, development and human capital issues.

The Targuist Cultural Complex hosted this international scientific event organized by the International Center for Tourism, Environment and Heritage in partnership with the Regional Tourism Council and the Oase Ferkla Association for Environment and Heritage, and in cooperation with the Laboratory of Language, Literature, Culture and Society and the Master's program in Tourism Communication and Heritage Valorization at the Multidisciplinary Faculty of Errachidia, Mohammed El-Hasan University, under the theme “Dynamics of valorizing human capital and integrated development.” Researchers, experts and institutional stakeholders from Morocco and abroad took part.

Conference sessions featured a variety of scholarly presentations that addressed territorial development issues from multiple angles. Some papers focused on ways to valorize cultural and linguistic heritage as a lever for sustainable development, while others discussed the importance of cultural tourism in creating economic and social momentum in territorial areas. Participants also examined the roles of human capital in managing local resources and strengthening territorial governance. The discussions additionally covered topics such as tourism communication, digitization, cultural identity, and investment prospects in the heritage assets of the Drâa-Tafilalet region.

At the close of the conference, participants reached a set of recommendations, most notably the need to strengthen scientific research related to heritage, tourism and territorial development; to encourage public policies that support the valorization of cultural and linguistic resources; to integrate local competencies and youth into development projects; and to reinforce cooperation between universities, institutions and territorial stakeholders to ensure sustainable development based on valuing human capital and regional specificities. Another recommendation called for the creation of the Supreme Authority for Moroccan Health Tourism to play a supervisory role over providers of medical tourism and environmental healing services and to establish the regulatory framework governing them.

The closing session included the presentation of a loyalty and devotion message to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, expressing the highest sentiments of loyalty and attachment to the Glorious Alaouite Throne and recalling His Majesty’s constant attention to issues of culture, heritage and development in the Kingdom.

In a gesture of tribute and recognition, a number of university professors and researchers were honored for their scientific and intellectual contributions to culture, heritage and development. This recognition served as an occasion to celebrate academic careers that enriched scientific research and raised awareness of the importance of heritage for regional development.

Alongside the academic program, the conference hosted an exhibition titled “Treasures of Drâa-Tafilalet” for traditional crafts and regional products, organized in coordination with the Regional Chamber of Handicrafts of Drâa-Tafilalet. The exhibition ran throughout the event and provided a platform to showcase the region’s rich craft and cultural heritage and to highlight the economic and creative potential of local artisans and producers.

The conference concluded with a major heritage evening held in Hassan II Square in Errachidia, featuring heritage and artistic troupes representing various provinces of the Drâa-Tafilalet region in a festive performance that reflected the diversity and richness of the area’s cultural heritage. The evening also honored several artistic figures, tourism and association activists, and partners in recognition of their contributions to promoting the region’s cultural and tourist heritage.

This event was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication – Cultural Sector, through the Regional Directorate of Culture in Errachidia, as part of support for cultural initiatives aimed at valorizing intangible heritage and strengthening the cultural and artistic influence of the Drâa-Tafilalet region.

This edition generated wide positive resonance in academic and cultural circles due to the richness of its themes, the quality of its organization and its openness to development and heritage issues, enhancing the conference’s standing as a scholarly and cultural meeting that seeks to build bridges between academic knowledge and the developmental and cultural realities of territorial areas