WHO'S WHO IN MOROCCO'S TOURISM INDUSTRY: TODAY, KAMEL ABOU ALI & PICKALBATROS

The Egyptian Visionary; Kamel Abou Ali

KAMEL ABOU ALI: THE EGYPTIAN VISIONARY SHAPING MOROCCO'S TOURISM LANDSCAPE

From the meticulous precision honed in Swiss hospitality to the vibrant dynamism of Moroccan tourism, Kamel Abou Ali has orchestrated a remarkable journey. This Egyptian powerhouse has not only built Pickalbatros Hotels & Resorts into a formidable force across Egypt and beyond but is now strategically and passionately shaping the future of Morocco's tourism industry.

THE PRECISION OF SWITZERLAND, THE HEART OF MOROCCO

Kamel Abou Ali’s rise in the tourism industry is a journey that spans continents. His time in Switzerland instilled in him a deep respect for precision and structure — a “Swiss clock” mindset that now defines the operational backbone of the Pickalbatros brand. Yet his connection to Morocco goes far beyond business. Married to a Moroccan woman, Abou Ali has developed a heartfelt admiration for the kingdom’s vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. This personal tie might be one of the driving forces behind his unwavering commitment to Pickalbatros’s long-term growth and presence in Morocco.

A STRATEGIC FOOTPRINT: BUILDING A KINGDOM OF HOSPITALITY IN MARRAKECH

Abou Ali's vision for Morocco began in 2010 with Club Issil in the Palmeraie of Marrakech, a name well known to the anciens of the industry. However, as I see it, the real development began to take shape with the strategic opening of the Pickalbatros Aqua Fun Club Resort in Marrakech in 2012. This all-inclusive haven, home to the city’s largest water park, immediately raised the bar for family-oriented hospitality in the region.

A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE CURTAIN

My own experience as General Manager during the opening of Menara Mall in Marrakech in 2015 offered a firsthand glimpse into Kamel Abou Ali’s distinctive leadership style. As the city’s largest commercial center, the project introduced several unique retail and leisure concepts, and I was fortunate to lead the team responsible for bringing it to life. Working closely under Abou Ali’s direction revealed his unwavering focus on precision and efficiency at every step — a true “Swiss clock” mentality that guided his decision-making across the board. Coming from a structured, international background into a founder-led imperium was both eye-opening and enriching. It was an experience that had long been on my professional bucket list — and is now officially crossed off. That same year also marked the debut of the luxurious Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech, further solidifying Pickalbatros’s ambition to deliver world-class experiences to discerning international travelers.

A LANDMARK ACQUISITION: USHERING IN A NEW ERA AT PALMERAIE RESORT

Early 2024 marked a pivotal moment with Pickalbatros's acquisition of the iconic Palmeraie Resort Complex. This strategic move brought prestigious properties like Palmeraie Palace and Hôtel du Golf, along with a state-of-the-art conference center, under the Pickalbatros umbrella. This acquisition signifies Abou Ali's bold entry into the luxury golf and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sectors, adding a sophisticated new dimension to the company's Moroccan portfolio.

EXPANDING HORIZONS: STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS IN MARRAKECH AND AGADIR

The momentum continued in September 2024 with the strategic acquisition of four additional properties: Club Sangho Marrakech (349 rooms) with a pre-opening month of July for national tourism, Palais des Roses Agadir (410 rooms) that will be officially opened 23th of this month, and Pickalbatros White Beach Resort Taghazout (300 rooms) are reflecting Pickalbatros's signature approach to high-quality hospitality. This expansion across both Marrakech and the coastal city of Agadir underscores Abou Ali's strong belief in Morocco's vast potential within the global tourism market, catering to diverse traveler preferences.

A LEGACY OF PRECISION AND PASSION, BUILT IN MOROCCO

Kamel Abou Ali is not just about hotels; he is crafting a legacy in Morocco. His strategic investments and acquisitions are a testament to his visionary leadership and deep personal connection to the country. As Morocco's tourism sector continues its dynamic evolution, Pickalbatros, under Abou Ali's guidance, is poised to be a key architect of its future success, creating exceptional experiences and contributing significantly to the local economy.

BEYOND BUSINESS: A PHILANTHROPIC HEART FOR MARRAKECH

Kamel Abou Ali's commitment to Morocco extends beyond the realm of business. His philanthropic endeavors demonstrate a genuine desire to give back to the community. A notable example is his generous donation of the elegant fountain gracing the front of the Palais des Congrès on Mohammed VI Avenue in Marrakech – a tangible symbol of his affection and investment in the city he now calls a second home as his support to local

initiatives and clubs.

A DIVERSE VISION: CONTRIBUTIONS TO EGYPT'S FILM INDUSTRY

Interestingly, Abou Ali's influence also extends to Egypt's vibrant film industry, where he holds producer credits for notable films like The Blue Elephant (2014), Ouija (2006), and Mafish Ghair Kedah (2006). This diverse involvement showcases his multifaceted vision and his ability to excel in both the business and creative spheres.

A BOLD STATEMENT: PICKALBATROS ESTABLISHES MARRAKECH HEADQUARTERS

Demonstrating an enduring commitment to Morocco, Abou Ali recently relocated Pickalbatros's headquarters to the most prominent avenue in Marrakech – significantly, the former offices of Prestigia. This strategic move underscores the company's long-term vision and signals ambitious plans for future projects within the kingdom, solidifying their presence at the heart of Moroccan tourism.

I could really use a strong brewed Egyptian coffee.

Peter