FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RABAT, MOROCCO — June 10, 2026 — ZHV (Z Holding Ventures), a US-based investment firm, has utilized its platform as a key sponsor at the GBB Investment Summit at the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr to formally announce a monumental partnership with the Marrakech Governorate. Leading the corporate delegation, Mr. Koni unveiled "KONI ISLAND" Marrakech, a massive $900 million entertainment destination spanning 300 hectares. This first-of-its-kind mega-project in Africa is specifically designed to transform Marrakech into a premier global capital for family-friendly, multi-day tourism.
The presentation at the summit highlights ZHV's proactive positioning ahead of the region's 2030 tourism and economic development goals. Conceptually engineered by lead designer Bob Koch of FK Companies in Orlando, Florida, the master plan introduces four world-class theme parks, dedicated entertainment districts, and an educational hub. The development is projected to inject profound economic vitality into the region, creating 50,000 direct new jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs.
Surrounded by a
scenic network of water rivers, waterfalls, and rides, the 300-hectare development consists of four
primary anchors:
1. Global Village ($250,000,000 Investment)
Spanning 70 hectares and generating 10,000 jobs, the Global Village will serve as a multi-cultural family destination. It features themed pavilions showcasing international cuisine, bustling bazaars, global shopping, and a central food aisle. Entertainment infrastructure includes:
A massive Carnival with over 150 rides, games, and attractions.
Landmark performance venues including the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater, Cirque Du Soleil, and Pirates (Amazigh Show).
"The Illumination" nightly laser and water show.
2. Pleasure Island ($100,000,000 Investment)
A 10-hectare non-stop nightlife and entertainment district delivering immersive shopping, dining, and theatrical venues.
Entertainment & Clubs: Highlighting themed concepts such as 8TRAX (70s/80s dance), Videopolis East (170 video screens), Mannequins Dance Palace (multi-story techno club with a revolving floor), and Neon Casa showcasing live Moroccan music bands. It will also feature the Adventurers Club—a 1430s-style Ibn Battuta explorer's venue staffed by live improv actors.
US & Global Dining Brands: Hosting landmark concepts like Planet Hollywood, Fulton’s Crab House riverboat restaurant, Olive Garden (operated by Darden International), and a local business incubator food court called Marrakech Market.
Academic Anchor: Pleasure Island will house Full Sail University, a dedicated Entertainment Business University campus providing specialized regional training in film, music, and show production.
3. Wet ’n Wild Water Park ($100,000,000 Investment)
Developed on 15 hectares to meet strict Aquatics International
standards, this becomes Morocco's first true international water park. It includes a 250-
foot near-vertical slide descending six stories, a Bomb Bay trap-door plunge slide, the Disco H2O audio-visual
tube ride, and a double FlowRider surfing experience. The park will also integrate
Blastaway Beach—a six-story
castle featuring 15 slides and a 317-gallon tipping bucket for younger demographics.
4. MGM Studios Theme Park & Working Studio
Morocco has a historic legacy of hosting iconic cinematic masterpieces—from Orson Welles’ Othello to modern epics like Gladiator 2. Capitalizing on this, MGM Studios Marrakech will feature a 70-acre working studio and theme park. Nearly two-thirds of the facility will operate as a secure soundstage and backlot environment for actual movie and television production, while the public zone brings the magic of Hollywood, Sunset Boulevard, and a New York Street backlot to life alongside movie-themed restaurants like The Hollywood Brown Derby.
Executive Commentary
"KONI ISLAND represents a total paradigm shift for African entertainment and tourism infrastructure," stated Mr. Koni during his stakeholder meetings in Rabat. "We are capitalizing on the phenomenal groundwork laid by the Moroccan government in establishing Marrakech as a world-renowned destination. By introducing Global Village, MGM Studios, and premier academic anchors like Full Sail University, we are ensuring that Morocco doesn't just host tourists, but actively shapes the future of global entertainment media."
ZHV's continuous corporate engagements throughout the duration of the GBB Investment Summit aim to finalize localized joint-venture terms, framework alignments, and procurement schedules to advance the timeline on the Marrakech development.
Media Contact:
ZHV Press Office