Marrakech is gearing up to host COP22 this November, the UN conference aimed at reducing climate change. This prestigious event draws together representatives from 185 countries, who will aim to continue the good work done in Paris at COP21 last November.

Morocco, of course, is committed to promoting sustainable tourism. It's also taking the lead on renewable energy, with the world's largest solar farm under construction just 75 miles from Marrakech. COP22 is not just a ringing endorsement of Morocco's ability to host international events that attract global participants, it's recognition of the kingdom's green credentials too.

Ahead of the conference, a number of initiatives have been launched including “ZeroMika” aimed at eliminating the use of plastic carrier bags across the country by November. We've been doing our bit by giving away reusable MuchMorocco canvas bags via a competition on Facebook, and we've kept 20 back for the fastest readers to respond! Email us at info@muchmorocco.com with your postal address to claim your bag.

LONDON CALLING

September the 6th is your chance to meet over 40 suppliers from Morocco, including hoteliers and DMCs, in London. Taking place at the Montcalm Hotel Marble Arch, this is your opportunity to find out more about the many attractions of Morocco, as well as make new contacts and relationships with in-country suppliers. If you'd like to attend, please contact loubna@morocco-tourism.org.uk

MOROCCO ONLINE

The Moroccan tourism authorities are leading the charge to make the most of digital technology in promoting the country to potential visitors across the globe. Whether you're using Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or all of these and more, social media is the perfect shop window for oh-so-picturesque Morocco.

Of course, we want to share positive messages about Morocco as widely as we can, so if you represent a tourism industry brand active in the kingdom, please connect with MuchMorocco online. Find us on Twitter @MuchMorocco, and on Facebook at MuchMoroccoUK.

OBAMAS IN THE RED CITY

Joining the ever-growing list of global personalities to visit Morocco, First Lady of the US, Michelle Obama, visited Morocco at the end of June. Flying in to Marrakech on the 27th accompanied by her daughters Sasha and Malia, this was part of an African tour to promote female education. The Obama family, along with actresses Meryl Streep and Frieda Pinto, joined Princess Lalla Selma and several other members of the royal family for an iftar dinner in the royal palace, before announcing that the US would be committing $100m to the Let Girls Learn initiative.

NEW OPENINGS

The hotel industry moves on apace in Morocco with several new hotels announced this summer. Marrakech is once again at the centre of development, with Rotana announcing they have agreed to manage a new 'Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana' building in the city, their first foray into Morocco. It is due to open before the end of 2018.

Mövenpick are moving into the city with the Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech due to open in September. 503 rooms, three swimming pools, a spa, fitness centre and nightclub are just some of what it will offer visitors.

The north of Marrakech is also expanding, with the addition of the 4-star Wazo (think 'oiseau' or bird, in French). With numerous meetings rooms, four restaurants and bars, two pools and a spa, the Wazo provides another option for both business and leisure travellers to the Red City and is ideally located for those heading to or from Casablanca on their trip to Morocco.

And if it's Casablanca that you're interested in, Spanish-owned Grupo Hotusa has just opened its first Eurostars hotel in Africa. The 115-room 4 star Sidi Maarouf is situated in the La Colline area of Casablanca, ideal for city break stays, whether for business or pleasure.

Meanwhile, out on the Atlantic coast, luxury hotel and resort chain Fairmont has announced that they will be opening Fairmont Taghazout Bay in 2019. This 615 hectare site will have 155 guestrooms, plus 52 villas for sale. It will include over 2,500 square meters (27,000 square feet) of meeting space, a Fairmont spa with fitness facilities and plenty of dining facilities.

These new announcements follow hot on the heels of numerous openings already announced in recent months, including Oberoi Marrakech, Banyan Tree Tamuda Bay, Hilton Garden Inn Tanger, Beachcomber Royal Palm Marrakech, Radisson Blu Marrakech, Sofitel Tamuda Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Hyatt Place Taghazout and the Four SeasonsCasablanca.

COMING TO A TV SCREEN NEAR YOU SOON

David Myers and Si King, otherwise known as the Hairy Bikers, have been travelling in Morocco again, filming for their new series to be shown on the BBC soon. Moroccan cuisine is famed the world over for its flavour, and the Hairy Bikers are on a mission to show viewers at home how to recreate just some of the kingdom's tasty specialities for themselves.

AND FINALLY...

Did you know that the highest and longest suspended bridge in Africa has just been unveiled in Morocco, linking the capital Rabat to Sale. It also helps to connect the road networks of the south to those in the north of Morocco...fancy a road trip?

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