Tourism In Moroco

Morocco is one of the most developed and politically stable countries found in North Africa. The country has created a room for tourism to thrive though maintaining her culture, history and coastal regions. Tourism is the second largest foreign earner after the Phosphate industry. Recent years have seen the total number of revenue collected from the tourism sector rise to over US $ 55 billion annually. The country has adapted another strategy name Vision 2010 that aims to have targeted over 10 million visitors by the end of 2010.

Morocco receives very high number of tourists due to its location and attractive packages. It has relatively low price tickets for many of its tourism locations. Visitors can enjoy the beaches and cruise ship journeys in the ports of Casablanca and Tangier. The country has another added advantage. It's very close to Europe and receives many tourists from there. Also her proximity to Spain makes her tap a high number of visitors who love cruising and are welcomed for several days trip to the region.

Morocco has also fully developed her air travel industry. This has seen it welcome guests from neighboring countries like Algeria. This has encouraged movement between the two countries resulting to high end numbers of tourists. The rail and road transport has been linked to major cities, tourist destination sites, ports and the international airports. The devaluation of the country's currency 'Dirham' has made the country an inexpensive place to travel. There are various tourist attraction sites such as the Mediterranean cities of Tangier and Casablanca.

Morocco, The New Holiday Destination - An Introduction For the First Time Visitor

For many people Morocco conjures up a picture of deserts, raids, haggling in the markets and perhaps the odd camel or two! But there are many facets to this increasingly popular destination making it a wonderful place to visit or take a holiday.

Last year alone Morocco attracted 7.5 million tourists- well on the way to achieving its target of 10 million by the year 2010. But why are millions visiting a country and willing to holiday in a country situated on the northern tip of Africa rather than the established European holiday destinations such as France or Spain?

Well, for many Europeans, Morocco is the nearest exotic African destination- taking only two and half hours to fly from London and an hour from Madrid. Once de rigueur destination for those on the hippy trail, Morocco has become a place for the traveller and holidaymaker who demand something more than the average from their hard earned vacation.

One of its many appealing factors is that it boasts thousands of miles of beautiful coastline and beaches on two sea fronts, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. This, along with all year round sun (temperatures can reach up to 17 degrees centigrade in January and February) make it a perfect destination for sun seeker and those seeking a relaxing break.

The Moroccan government is taking tourism very seriously and has poured billions into infrastructure such as airports, shipping ports and highways. With a relaxed and moderate approach it has set up a number of designated tourist zones whereby the facilities are equal and in many cases better than some similar resorts found in other countries.

This, along with a population that is both friendly and eager to make progress, makes visiting Morocco that much more pleasurable than is sometimes the case in countries where locals are jaded and tourist weary.

Geographically, Morocco, for the first time visitor is surprisingly full of contrasts. While the south, dominated by the Atlas Mountains, confirms the general image of dry and desert landscapes, the north of Morocco is green and lush with parts of the Mediterranean coastline almost resembling parts of the UK - but with the added attraction of blue skies and warm temperatures all year round! And this is why North Morocco can provide a great initial introduction to this beautiful country and its culture for the first time visitor.

Because of its proximity to Europe, (the smallest distance between Morocco's coastline and Spain's is less than ten miles) and the influences that has resulted, this area with cosmopolitan Tangiers and the northern capital of Tetouan all relatively close, is a heady mix of the exotic and the familiar. These factors alone will almost certainly whet the appetite for future and perhaps more adventurous exploring of this wonderfully varied country!

Morocco - Tourism the Top Priority?

The Moroccan tourism industry could soon benefit from a greater range of major attractions as the influx of large number of visitors has necessitated the need for infrastructure improvements, leisure facilities and recreational outlets. The government efforts to make the country's economy less dependent on the agricultural sector are paying dividends. Authorities in Morocco are keen to diversify and generate economic growth in a more long-term sustainable manner by boosting the tourism trade and aiming to boost annual visitor numbers to ten million by 2010.

Research by the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) found that the number of holidaymakers in the country rose by 14 per cent last year. The North African country attracted 7.4 million foreign arrivals in 2007. Morocco is proving to be highly popular with European tourists as nearly three million hailed from France; 1.6 million visitors came from Spain and 419,000 British tourists last year. The tourism industry is now an important source of the growth of country's economy, and it has generated almost a tenth of its gross domestic product last year. The holiday industry generated income of £3.8 billion in 2007 which is 12 per cent more than during the previous year.

Morocco is considered as a good-value holiday destination. The "fabulous" weather, beautiful scenery, beaches and a relaxed pace of life has helped to make Morocco a hotspot for foreign leisure travelers and overseas property buyers. Furthermore, the statistics suggest that there is growing potential in the country's buy-to-let market, as increase in the number of foreign arrivals means that demand for holiday accommodation has gone up.

The main reason for the growing popularity of Morocco among holidaymakers and second home buyers is it is easily accessible with budget airlines while low living costs and ample areas of historical interest makes it an attractive proposition. The price of entering a holiday attraction in Morocco is 3 times lesser than that in Spain. Food and drink in Morocco costs lesser than that in European countries. Figures showed that on average, a pint of beer can be purchased for just 51p and in Spain it would cost £1.56 while a three-course meal is priced at just over £10 and in Spain it is £17.50.

A Travel Beyond Journey in Chefchaouen Morocco

Chefchaouen Morocco is located in the center of the Rif Mountains. The name of this city refers to the mountain top shape of the two mountains just above it which looks like horns of a goat. Literally, the word "Chef Chaouen" means "look at the horns." The appearance of the place in Chefchaouen is quite very simple. Walls and houses are painted with white while their doors are painted with striking blue colors. When in the skyline of Chefchaouen, you will find yourself between the two mountains. One of the freshest water sources can be found at the end of the valley just between the two mountains.

Chefchaouen Morocco is also a popular destination for shopping. Many native handicrafts can be found here that are not available anywhere in Morocco such as woven blankets and wool. Also an added food attraction to the tourists is their goat cheese. Other goods that are carefully handcrafted by the natives of Chefchaouen are shoes and things made of leather, furniture made of cedar wood, pottery, dyes, and henna. Eating in this town is not a problem as there are many restaurants and cafes available almost anywhere. Try out the Tagines which is one of the best dishes you will ever had in Morocco. Other restaurants that you could try are Restaurant Assada and La Lampe Magique. Early dinner is around seven in the evening and reservations are not quite applicable so better get there early before the resto gets flooded with a lot of tourists.

For the travelers looking for cheap hotels and budget hotel packages, you can find 200 hotels in Chefchaouen Morocco offering the cheaper to the most extravagant packages. Aside from this, backpackers and trekkers will not get bored for pursuing a trip like this. The are tour and activity packages for every tourist who would like to do trekking, cliff hanging or rock climbing available on each side of Chefchaouen.

Morocco -South Morocco - Why Travel There and What to Do

Most tourists to Morocco will only visit the overcrowded and chaotic major tourist hubs of Marrakech, Fez and Rabat and only a small percentage of them venture beyond the Atlas Mountains to experience rural areas. Traveling south of the Atlas Mountains lets you experience the real, authentic Morocco where life is slower, undisturbed, the air is clean and bright, and the mountain or desert sky is truly unforgettable.

If you travel from Marrakech toward Ouzarzate, Zagora and the sand dunes of Merzouga you will be pleasantly surprised. Crossing the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh is an enjoyable ride through red-colored rolling mountains rich in iron and dotted with small green trees overlooked by majestic snow-capped peaks. There will be many lookout points where you can stop for pictures taking or shopping for raw mountain crystals from local vendors waiting for interested tourists. You will drive through some Berber villages where you can stop for refreshments and visit an Argan oil cooperative where you will get explanations and free demonstrations on how the famous  Moroccan anti-aging oil is produced from the kernels of the now endangered Argan tree. The rare oil is rich in vitamin E, phenols and unsaturated fatty acids and is used as a base for many cosmetic products including creams and lotions for psoriasis and eczema, as well as for cooking. The products are indeed very effective but pricy since at the cooperative store the prices are fixed and due to the endangered status of the tree, yearly production is limited.

Crossing the passes you will reach Ourzazate, a major hub and neat-looking town, commonly referred to as the Hollywood of Morocco, as it has several film studios where many major motion pictures have been filmed. During daily guided tours at the Atlas Studios (in French with some English explanation by the local guide), you will see and explore the former sets of some of the most famous movies ever filmed like Cleopatra, Alexander,  Kingdom of Heaven and others, and will have the chance to see the recreated city of Jerusalem from a distance.

The most attractive features of this part of Morocco are the exotic looking kasbahs - castle dwellings - and ksours, which are fortified villages made of reddish-brown dried mud and usually surrounded by beautiful palm groves and oases. Some of these now crumbling buildings are in real despair but once they housed large populus, as much as 100 families at any given time. Many of  them are getting empty nowadays since their former occupants are slowly moving into more modern dwellings in surrounding neighborhoods. It is easy to walk through the Ksar Tissargat right on the main road between Quarzazate and Zagora. Some of the fortress-like Kasbahs once owned by powerful local lords, have been converted into guest houses, restaurants or stores. You can visit them inside, usually there will be a freelance guide at the entrances offering explanation for a few euros, prices are always negotiable and you will pay the guide after the tour based on your satisfaction level.

Between Ourzazate and Zagora there are many of these villages and Kasbahs along the road. My recommendation is the neatly reconstructed Kasbah Oulad Othmane, where the owners will be eager to show you around for a small museum entrance fee. This kasbah is still in the ownership of the original Othmane family that is struggling with the upkeep of their magical castle since the mud-brick walls require regular patch-up and practically have to be rebuilt in every 60 years. Of course, there is no government funding to save the country's architectural treasures, so the owners are forced to turn the properties into money-making machines just to save them from turning into ruins. You see neglect everywhere and although most of these kasbahs are less than 150 years old, many have an antique feel to them as a result of their deteriorating state. There is one exception, the kasbah and village of Ait Ben Haddu, located  north of Ourzazate, whose history can be traced back to Medieval times. It is a designated World Heritage Site under the protection of UNESCO. The funds received from the world organization however, not always end up in the right hands and certain parts of this medieval wonder still has some crumbling and neglected walls. Despite its fame, the site surprisingly has very little infrastructure and, to approach the village perched on a hill you have to cross a bridgeless river by foot jumping from stone to stone or sand bag to sand bag.

East of Ourzazate follow the side road of the 1000 Kasbahs toward scenic Dades and Toudra Gorges and the Tinghir palm tree valley overlooked by its own ksour, one of the most beautiful sites in Morocco.

The best time to visit these kasbahs and ksours is during late afternoon when setting sun rays turn the reddish walls into many shades of red, orange and ochre that glow under crispy blue skies.

The Top Ten Travel Sights of Africa

It is difficult to list a top ten African travel wonders list without leaving out a number of other superb sights. Here is my list. How many have you seen?

1. Mountain Gorillas of Central Africa

It is an indescribable experience to spend an hour visiting an habituated gorilla family in the rain forests of Central Africa. With over 98% commonality of DNA with human beings, you can sense and feel their emotions and familial ties. A family group which varies from 8 to 20 is led by an alpha male - the silverback - with a silvery blanket of hair down his back. Seriously endangered, tourism is their only chance of survival.

2. Wildlife Safari in East Africa

The African rift valley offers the most remarkable variety of wildlife to view anywhere on Earth. Across the protected game parks in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, seeing the great African wildlife is a special experience to savor. Way beyond reading National Geographic, seeing in real life a pride of lions stalking and hunting down its prey gets your heart racing. Vultures and jackals hover nearby for their share of the feast. Many plan to see the so-called Big Five, the buffalo, elephant, lion, rhinoceros and leopard, along with the familiar antelope, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest, along with a wide variety of colorful birds.

3. Pyramids and Sphinx of Egypt

The Great Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo, have stood and overseen over 5000 years of Egyptian history. These giants structures stand in a stark sandy desert expanse while local touts sell camel rides or their various crafts, souvenirs and knick-knacks. The nightly light and sound show describes the rich history with colorful lights and lasers.

4. Victoria Falls

The locals describe it as the "The Smoke that Thunders" in their native language, where plumes of spray from the thunderous water can be seen for miles around as the calm waters of the mile-wide Zambezi River plunges well over 100 yards into the deep gorge below. These famous waterfalls change mood across the year from the dry to the wet seasons and often appear with dazzling rainbows in the misty spray.

5. Nile River and Egyptian Temples

Small armies of river boats travel the famed Nile River between Luxor and Aswan in central Egypt. From the cool of the boat, you can enjoy the narrow fertile strip of land being intensively farmed in much the same manner as it has sustained the population for centuries. This thin strip of greenery is the only break from the desolate Saharan sands which seem to extend forever. Luxor's Temple of Karnak is an ancient construction on an unequaled scale with pillars, carvings, ceremonial lakes and temples extending over an area beyond a mile by half a mile. The pharaohs' final resting places sit on the opposite bank of the Nile in the Valley of the Kings - a stark, empty ravine.

6. Sahara Desert

Incredibly hot by day and surprisingly cool by night, the dry vastness of the Sahara Desert is striking in its beauty. Eroded over the centuries by wind, jagged mountains, rocky escarpments and sweeping sand dunes detail a harsh terrain. The small oasis towns reveal a battle for survival over the many centuries, the refreshing patches of green highlighting the invaluable resource of water.

7. Moroccan Cities of Marrakesh and Fes

With their souks woven like ancient mazes, Marrakesh and Fes both boast remarkable medinas (walled-in areas of the town) which ignite every human sense. Rich in craft shops (tanners, textile makers, dressmakers, jewelers and carpet weavers), food stalls and teashops (with their enchanting sweet mint tea), the alluring aroma of spices clash with the nasty odors of the dye pits. Every night, Marrakesh's immense Djemaa el Fna square becomes a virtual circus of snake charmers, fortune tellers, jugglers, comedians, spruikers and magicians as you enjoy the tasty delights from the variety of fresh food stalls and juice bars.

8. Dogon Villages of Mali

The Dogon people live in simple villages along the imposing 120 mile Bandiagara Cliff. Their strange adobe (mud-brick) houses are built along the cliff edge providing areas to sleep and relax, common areas for village meetings and for storage of grain. The houses are remarkably cool in this hot arid area.

9. Leptis Magna

Africa's most significant Roman ruin overlooks the dazzling Mediterranean Sea. Being a major Roman city in its time, Leptis Magna includes the ruins of athletic arenas, theaters, markets and temples, along with the traditional central Roman Forum.

10. Zanzibar

The Spice Islands are a haven, providing a chance for a relaxing break from African travel and game parks. It has a number of sights with its Arabic heritage, the old Stone Town and tropical palm-fringed sandy beaches. The maze of ancient alleyways and narrow lanes are lined with whitewashed houses with superbly carved wooden doors. Culturally separate from the African mainland, small bazaars and gleaming tiled mosques provide mouthwatering cultural walks, between relaxing sun-baking sessions on the beach.

Africa has a wide variety of attractions and travel wonders to experience from the Arabic north through the jungles of central Africa to the rich jungles of southern Africa. Travel with a spirit of discovery and enjoyment to experience this wonderful and diverse continent

Agadir Attractions

If you're planning a trip to Agadir and you want to learn more about some Agadir attractions, then you have come to the right place. In the few paragraphs of this article, you will be provided with an overview of the places you can visit and the different things you can do to enjoy your stay in the city.

Agadir is considered by many to be Morocco's premier coastal resort. Its main attraction is its beach that stretches for around 8 km and that is well known for its cleanliness and the beauty of its golden sands.

The beach of Agadir is serviced by top quality four and five star hotels. It is patrolled by conspicuous police to keep hawkers and hustlers at bay and guarantee that sunbathers and swimmers can relax in peace and have a good time.

Along the Agadir bay you will find all you need for the perfect beach holidays. If you are a sun worshipper, then you'll find miles of parasols and sun-loungers where you can just lie back and soak up the sun beams while reading your favourite novel.

Jet-skis and dune buggies for hire are available for the thrill seekers and water sports enthusiasts. If you are the romantic type and you want to go strolling up and down the beach to enjoy a sun set or hunt for the perfect memorable photo opportunities, then you will also find camel rides and horse rides all along the beach.

Among the main Agadir attractions are the city's three Golf courses: "Agadir royal club", "Dunes golf club" and the "Golf du soleil". The city also has many tennis clubs.

Agadir and cultural tourism:

Many Agadir visitors complain about the fact that they miss the authenticity of the real Moroccan culture during their stay in the city. In fact, compared to other Moroccan cities like Marrakech or Fès, Agadir does not have much to offer its visitors in terms of Cultural or historical attractions.

The reason is that, after the devastating earthquake that hit the Agadir in 1960, the city has been completely rebuilt to comply with world class western standards and to be mainly a top tourist destination. However, If you want to discover some of the charms and the beauties of the local culture during your Agadir Holidays, then there are a few places that you might want to visit.

Agadir Kasbah is the main symbol of the old city of Agadir. It is a fortress that lies on the top of a hill overlooking the entire city, the bay and the fishing port.

Agadir also has a few small museums displaying Berber artifacts including furnitures, jewelery and costumes. The most visited museum in Agadir is the Bert Flint museum, but there are other smaller ones that are less known like "The Musée des arts Bereberes" and the "Talborjt Museum".