Stunning scenery typifies Morocco, but a robust development plan and burgeoning growth in the property industry are making investment incredibly appealing

Long before the King of Morocco ratified the Vision 2010 national development plan to help diversify the economy and bring foreign investment, Morocco was a popular destination for international film producers. Films such as Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator' and 'The Kingdom of Heaven' have recently been shot there and Morocco's now so famous as a film set that it has a series of internationally acclaimed film festivals annually such as the Mediterranean Short Film Festival in Tangier and the Trans-Sahara Film Festival in Zagora, which both take place in June.

Naturally, now that the King of Morocco's ambitious plans for economic diversification are coming to fruition as laid out and detailed in Vision 2010, the film industry is one to benefit even more from the new policies and legislation that have brought about greater business transparency in a successful bid to attract significant and sustainable levels of foreign direct investment. Sun and cinema One of the latest productions to benefit was the BBC's 'The Passion.' Speaking in an interview specifically about the filming experience, actor James Nesbitt who played Pontius Pilate remarked that: "from the bustle of Marrakech's colourful souks to the vast beauty of the Atlas Mountains, it is surprisingly different from anywhere in Europe" - despite being only a short three hour hop away from the UK.

And the film industry is certainly not the only one to benefit from Vision 2010 and the strong economic emergence of Morocco; forming strategically central roles in the national development plan are the tourism and real estate industries which is why Morocco has suddenly become such a popular place for property investment. According to Steve Worboys, MD of Experience International: "developments such as Apple Gardens in Marrakech, which comprises of 51 high quality villas within a boutique-style development are being snatched up by investors well aware that demand will potentially push up values in the city where there have been predictions of 15% annual capital growth, but that as Vision 2010 comes to completion, Morocco will likely be internationally recognised as a superb place to live, work, invest and do business."

For others, the appeal of Morocco is not just about its economic strength and fantastic investment landscape - it's more about the beauty of the nation, the fabulous weather, the history, the magical cities and the people. This is why Morocco is such a popular choice with film producers, holiday-makers and now second home buyers alike. Proving popular with the latter group are resort style developments such as Mediterranea Saidia with its golf clubs, private beach, diving and sailing centre and myriad of five star facilities, and Playa Vista where apartments are guaranteed an ocean view forever because of their breathtaking sea front setting. Near the Medinas dilapidated houses priced from around £20,000, crying out to be converted into stylish riads (traditional houses built round a courtyard). Property prospects Elsewhere, England soccer stars Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Gary Neville have kicked into the Morocco property market by each buying a luxurious five-bedroom, three bathroom villas at Saidia's Le Village Des Amis development, where prices range from £300,000 to £500,000.

If skiing is your idea of sports heaven, then you should head off to the small but busy ski station of Oukaimeden, an hour from Marrakech, in the Atlas Mountains. At 10,720 feet above sea level, this resort has almost year-round snow despite being on the doorstep of the Sahara desert. And it is in the process of being transformed into Africa's only golf and ski resort , boasting spa facilities, swanky hotels and flats created by Dubai's largest property developer, Emaar. Prices, though, are not cheap - starting at about £475,000 for a three-bedroom Moroccan-style villa with a private pool on a 1.5 acre plot.