Tourism in Morocco

Morocco was a French protectorate from 1912 and achieved independence in 1956. The full Arabic name of this Kingdom in northwestern Africa is Al-Maghreb (“The West”) and widely used in Arabic. Morocco, as the country is called in most other languages, derives from the name of the former capital, Rabat. Morocco’s cause has so far been well backed by many Arab pledges and there is no sign that the trend will not continue. King Mohammed VI of Morocco has made it clear that tourism and its promotion is a top priority for his country in years to come that is why there are great efforts on an external and internal basis. Apart from the obvious financial advantages, an increase in inbound tourism would open Morocco up to a greater level of cultural awareness, which, in most cases, improves the standards of the country itself. Another massive advantage is in the job market.

As many developing countries all over the world do, Morocco relies heavily on tourism to keep people at work and one of the intentions behind the new promotion plan is to create around 147,000 jobs in tourism. Thanks to the success in recent years, the targets set in Morocco are not unrealistic. Nature is never far away in Morocco. Desert, mountains, valleys and sea - the country has plenty to offer fans of the outdoors! Hikers of all levels will love walking the Moroccan mountains. Among the temperate peaks of the Rif mountain range, its cliffs jutting out into the Mediterranean make this under-explored region magical. The lakes are packed with trout waiting for amateur fishermen. The more sporty will want to tacklethe challenges of the Middle and Upper Atlas mountains on foot, by mountain bike or in a paraglider, or to practice mountain climbing, canyoning or pot-holing. Its summits can reach 4000m high. Ifrane, the little Moroccan Switzerland, may come as a pleasant surprise with its summer coolness, winter snow and traditional "mule-ski" trails. Nothing is as indescribable as a stay on the edge of the desert...

Head to Ouarzazate to discover its immensity and colours. At night, opt for an encampment in the desert of Chegaga or Mezouga, a chalet in the mountains and, wherever you are, bed and breakfast with the locals for an unforgettable and authentic experience. These are at the heart of the Moroccan identity, like palmtrees, argan oil and the honey from its lavender. Those who visit Morocco agree that there is no such thing as a list of ‘top ten’ places one has to see before departing. The country is absolutely marvelous and the whole experience of the visit itself is the most precious one. There are plenty of towns and places which are frequented by tourists. In Morocco, every taste is naturally catered for!