Left to right: Randolph Churchill (great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill) and Mr Achraf Fayda (CEO, Moroccan National Tourist Office) in front of Winston Churchill’s The Garden at the Mamounia Hotel
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Kingdom and the Moroccan National Tourist Office (MNTO) hosted an exclusive reception at the prestigious Wallace Collection in London, in connection with the exhibition Winston Churchill: The Painter. The initiative reflects MNTO’s ambition to place culture and internationally renowned figures at the heart of Morocco’s global tourism promotion.
Coinciding with World Travel Market (WTM) London, the Moroccan National Tourist Office selected one of Britain’s most distinguished art institutions, the Wallace Collection, as the setting for an evening dedicated to the exhibition Winston Churchill: The Painter.
Hosted at the initiative of His Excellency Hakim Hajoui, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Kingdom, and Achraf Fayda, General Director of MNTO, the reception took place on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, bringing together art, history and tourism in an exceptional setting. The event reflects MNTO’s ambition to further associate Morocco as a destination with the world of cultural influence and international prestige.
A distinguished British statesman and passionate painter, Winston Churchill had a deep and enduring connection with Morocco. The light of Marrakech, the landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the colours of the Kingdom provided a rich source of inspiration for his artistic work. The exhibition traces Churchill’s journey as a painter, with particular emphasis on the works he created during his time in Morocco.
Among these is his celebrated painting depicting the Koutoubia Mosque’s minaret, painted in 1943 in the aftermath of the Casablanca Conference. Presented as a gift to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the painting captures a defining moment in world history. Its subsequent journey has also added a touch of Hollywood glamour to its story. Acquired by Brad Pitt for Angelina Jolie in 2011, it was later sold at Christie’s in 2021, further cementing its status as one of Churchill’s most iconic works.
The presence of members of the Churchill family added further distinction to the occasion, bringing a particularly meaningful dimension to the tribute to the profound ties between the former British Prime Minister and Morocco, whose landscapes so deeply inspired his artistic work.
Through this initiative, MNTO is reinforcing a new dimension of its international tourism promotion strategy. Culture is increasingly recognised as a powerful driver of tourism appeal, capable of engaging influential audiences with a particular appreciation for art, heritage and exceptional experiences. By establishing a presence within prestigious cultural institutions and highlighting Morocco’s historic connections with internationally renowned figures, MNTO is enriching the country’s destination narrative and strengthening its premium positioning.
With this initiative, MNTO is opening a new chapter in the international promotion of the Kingdom of Morocco: one in which the country’s cultural heritage, inspirational appeal and historic connections with some of the world’s most celebrated figures become powerful assets in attracting visitors. It is an ambition that places culture firmly at the forefront of Morocco’s international tourism profile.
