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Friday, 6 May 2011

Morocco's interior minister has rocked the country's flourishing tourist industry by claiming there could be further terrorist attacks following last week's Marrakech bombing.

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Speaking after the bomb attack which killed 16, including 14 foreigners, at a popular cafe in the historic Djemma el Fna square, Tajeb Cherkaoui has admitted there 'is a possibility of more dangers to come'.

Many details of the attack are still unknown, but it was widely believed to have been targeted at foreign tourists as the square, which is packed at night with markets stalls, dancers and snake charmers, is considered a must-see for visitors to the city.


Devastated: The bomb attack in Marrakech will affect the city's burgeoning tourism trade

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has said there is 'a high threat of terrorism' in the country following the latest bombing and adds that 'attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers'.

Holidaymakers are advised to 'maintain a high level of vigilance'.

Holiday company Kuoni confirmed it will continue to operate as normal but said it is in close contact with ground agents to ensure the utmost safety for customers.

The bombing struck at the heart of Morocco's burgeoning tourism industry, which is the second biggest employer in the country after agriculture.
Visitor numbers have grown two-fold in less than a decade and arrivals went up by six per cent in 2009, when the rest of the world was suffering a decline due to the recession.

Around 9.3 million people visited Morocco in 2010 and the second instalment of the Sex and the City franchise was filmed in Marrakech, sending interest in city breaks soaring.

However, the fear of further attacks could reverse Morocco's good fortune.

Tourism Minister Yassir Znagui has visited the 25 people injured in the bombing in hospital and admitted it was 'difficult to talk about the consequences' on future visitors.

'For the moment, the priority is to be near the victims and their relatives,' he said.

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