Tag: African

  • 6 Reasons Why This African Country Is Growing In Popularity With American Tourists

    6 Reasons Why This African Country Is Growing In Popularity With American Tourists

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    Morocco is a stunningly beautiful country with a rich culture and options for all budgets.  

    In a post-covid world, Morocco is working hard to attract more significant visitor numbers, which means that you’ll find warm and welcoming people here who are keen to ensure you have a good time.

    And the growth plan is working.

    Moroccan Kasbah, Atlas Mountains, Africa

    The number of visitors traveling to Morocco has grown by 17% this year when compared to the same period in 2019.

    The countries with the biggest increase in the number of tourists visiting Morocco are Spain, Britain, Italy, and America.

    Here are 6 reasons why Morocco is growing in popularity with American tourists and why you should consider visiting too:

    A Cultural Melting Pot

    Morocco is a cultural melting pot with mixed influencers from the Berbers and the Arabs that make up the majority of the Moroccan people. Morocco’s heritage is also influenced by Andalusia in the North and by Sub-Saharan cultures in the South.

    This varied cultural mix means that the people of Morocco are tolerant and welcoming to people from all backgrounds.

    People shopping in a colorful souk in Morocco.

    Many people who visit Morocco come for the UNESCO heritage sites, the weather, and the beaches. But the highlight of their trip is often its people.

    The Moroccan government has launched a new tourism promotion for 2023 called ‘Morocco, Land of Light’. This focus on promoting tourism means that the people of Morocco are more warm and welcoming than ever.

    The friendly and down-to-earth Moroccan people are often keen to share a meal with you, invite you into their homes, and give you an insight into their way of life.

    Beautiful Beaches

    Many Americans are drawn to Europe for its beautiful beaches, calm waters, and soft white sands. But if you’re looking for European-style beaches at more affordable prices, then Africa and Morocco are great choices for 2023.

    Like the more popular beach vacation countries of Spain, Italy, and Turkey, Morocco boasts access to both the calm seas of the Mediterranean and the wild beauty of the Atlantic.

    Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

    Colorful surfboards resting on a beach in Casablanca, Morocco.

    Some of the best beaches in Morocco include the beautiful 10km long Blue Flag beach of Tagharte Bech in Essaouira.

    If you’re looking for a crowd-free and natural beach, then head south to the village of Sidi Kaouki, where Sidi Kaouki Beach is exposed to the powerful Atlantic winds and attracts surfers from all over the world.

    Affordable and Accessible

    Whether you’re looking for a luxury lover or are a backpacker on a budget, Morocco is a very inexpensive country by Western standards.

    In the current financial climate, travelers are looking to get more bang for their buck, and Morocco is a country that offers this in 2023.

    Colorful spices in the Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco.

    The U.S. dollar is currently very strong against the Moroccan Dirham, meaning that luxury travelers will find that their money goes a little further. And you will find an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants and lavish resorts to spend that money on.

    Meanwhile, public transport is easy to navigate in Morocco, and camping is both common and popular, so it is easy for budget travelers to cut their costs considerably here. You can easily spend between $12-15 per day on food and drink, still eating dishes that are delicious and plentiful.

    An Abundance of Beautiful Attractions

    Morocco has a rich cultural heritage with more attractions than you could fit into any one vacation.

    The country boasts 9 UNESCO World Heritage attractions. The most recent of these, the modern capital and historic city of Rabat was added to the list in 2012.

    Moroccan skyline

    Most visitors to Morocco will head to its most famous city of Marrakesh, where they can visit historic palaces, shop in the famous medina and souks, and relax in a traditional Moroccan hammam.

    The old city of Marrakesh was founded in the 11th century and is a great place to get lost and explore the authentic heart of Morocco.

    Activities for the Adventurous

    If you’re looking to do something a little more exciting than wander around historical attractions or laze by the pool, then Morocco is the place to be.

    There are attractions here for every type of adventurer.

    Visit Dakhla if you want to try water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing. Boasting views of both the desert and the Atlantic Ocean, Dakhla is considered a surfers paradise. You can also hire both kayaks and paddleboards here.

    A Young Woman Wearing A Yellow Dress As She Walks The Blue City Of Chefchaouen, In Morocco, North Africa

    Chefchaouen, the famous Blue City of Morocco, is nestled in the Rif Mountains and is a great place for hiking, climbing, and other outdoor pursuits.

    The Moroccan authorities are keen to attract all types of tourism and are promoting activity breaks in the country.

    Other activities for adrenaline junkies available across Morocco include camel riding, quad biking through the sand, or taking a hot air balloon ride above the Sahara Desert.

    Morocco is a Safe Country

    Despite its location in an unstable and volatile region, Morocco is a safe country for tourists. It is politically stable and boasts steady economic growth.

    On the U.S. State Department’s scale of four travel advisory levels, Morocco is currently at level 2. This means American visitors to the country should exercise increased caution.

    A Square Minaret Seen Through Bab Bou Jeloud Gate In Fes, Morocco

    Due to the small risk of terrorism in the country, Americans in Morocco are advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds, stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners, and follow the Department of State on both Twitter and Facebook in case of updates or alerts.

    Whilst you should exercise caution in Morocco, Morocco remains safe. Crime in the country is mainly petty crime, such as thefts and pickpockets.

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  • Why This Beautiful African Country Should Be On Your Bucket List For 2023

    Why This Beautiful African Country Should Be On Your Bucket List For 2023

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    Now that a sizeable percentage of the world has reopened for tourism restriction-free, you may be eager to get out there, make up for lost time, and explore different cultures. If an overpriced Europe and crowded Riviera Maya no longer make your heart beat faster, we may have just the thing for you:

    A Young Woman Holding Her Hat As She Gazes At The Tangier Cityscape, In Morocco, North Africa

    How about Africa? More specifically, a beautiful North African country not that many Americans visit, where the culture is truly foreign, Western etiquette (or whatever that means) does not apply, and whose natural beauty and unexpected diversity will take your breath away?

    These are only a few of the reasons why the Kingdom of Morocco should be on your bucket list for 2023:

    Where Even Is Morocco?

    A Young Woman Wearing A Yellow Dress As She Walks The Blue City Of Chefchaouen, In Morocco, North Africa

    Morocco is Africa’s Northwesternmost state, and it forms part of a wider region called ‘The Maghreb’, a term that’s been historically used to describe the continent’s Arab microcosm. Out of the five Maghrebi countries, however, Morocco is arguably the one boasting the most varied topography:

    Its extensive coastline straddles not only the wild Atlantic but also the Mediterranean, while the rugged hinterland is traversed by the snow-capped Atlas mountain range, the natural divide between the Mediterranean region itself and the Sahara Desert, which occupies roughly 40% of the national territory.

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    The Tanneries Of Fes, An Imperial City In Morocco, North Africa

    Whether it’s luxurious beachfront villas with sweeping views of the ocean, alpine retreats, or off-path desert glamping you’re after, Morocco has got you covered: it’s no wonder it’s been growing at a record pace in the post-pandemic scene, along with fellow North African partners Tunisia and Egypt.

    Despite the inevitable surge in popularity – no hidden gem stays ‘hidden’ for long – the country is not yet awash with tourists, even though it shares the same hot climate and laid-back, cozy atmosphere of Europe’s Mediterranean South. Last year, close to 11 million foreigners arrived in the Kingdom.

    The Fortified Coastal City Of Essaouira, On The Atlantic Coast Of Morocco, North Africa

    In other words, Morocco has recovered 84% of its pre-crisis tourism, exceeding the global recovery rate of 20%, but it is yet to be spoiled by mass tourism. A majority of visitors are either Moroccans residing abroad or vacationers from France, owing to the European nation’s close historical ties to North Africa.

    According to Statistica, only 1.8% would hail from the United States, proving Morocco is not yet on America’s radar, much like other competing gems both North and South of the Sahara, but it won’t remain anonymous among the American demographic for long.

    Bloom Consulting confirmed Morocco is already the 3rd most attractive country for foreigners in Africa and the 43rd most powerful tourist destination worldwide.

    Why Is Morocco So Trendy All Of A Sudden?

    Morocco’s prestige in the travel industry is not only attributed to its natural wealth: with an enviable list of world-class cities to its name, UNESCO-protected villages and archaeological sites, and a colorful cuisine with Mediterranean, Arab, and Berber influences, it’s been wooing Westerners who dare go off the beaten path for years, though its recent reopening has certainly helped the promotional campaign.

    Ancient Cities And Instagram-ready Small Towns

    Travel,And,Shopping.,Young,Traveling,Woman,With,Choose,Presents,In

    In Fes, one of the country’s four ancient imperial cities, you will find the largest walled medina (or Old Town) and car-free zone in the world, and a complex ecosystem of narrow closes crammed with tens of thousands of street vendors, locals going about their daily lives, and curious onlookers.

    Marrakesh, on the other hand, is best known for its bustling trade and a flaming terracota-colored medina. Yet another imperial city, it is often used as a starting point for newcomers landing in Morocco and avid explorers venturing into the Moroccan Sahara.

    Female Tourist Photographing The Jamaa Elfna Market In Marrakech, Morocco

    Lining the Atlantic Coast, Morocco’s financial and administrative centers of Casablanca and Rabat are Morocco’s gateway to the Western World. The former is a chaotic metropolis with a more liberal approach to life, while the latter is the often overlooked yet History-packed capital.

    Other highly sought-after Atlantic ports include Agadir and Essaouira, two of Morocco’s most developed resort strips, and Tangier, on the Northern coast facing Spain, located at one of the closest points between Africa and Europe and a cultural melting pot of the sorts, with a transitional architecture combining Iberian colonial and habitual Moorish.

    Outside the hustle and bustle of the big cities, our top picks are Ait Benhaddou, a fortified Berber village built constructed almost entirely from mud, and a jet-setting destination for film and television aficionados – Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and some scenes of Game of Thrones were all filmed here – and the dreamy mountain town that is Chefchaoeun.

    Chefchaoeun is easily recognized for its striking blue cityscape set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains. Here, every navy blue-splashed cobblestone street is Instagram-ready, and there seems to be an endless supply of photogenic corners.

    Morocco Fits Your Budget

    And It Is Relatively Safe

    Morocco is hugely affordable, too: although it has certainly got pricier in recent years, as a result of the increase in tourism, this low to middle-income country will hardly hurt your wallet if you’re wise enough to avoid scammers who will relentlessly try to rip you off as you stroll the medinas, and if staying in a reasonably-priced two-star dar as opposed to a luxurious riad is a sacrifice you’re willing to make.

    Young Couple Taking Selfie In A Desert In The Continent Of Africa, Unspecified Location, Possibly Egypt Or Morocco

    A three-course meal at an inexpensive restaurant in a tourist area, such as Marrakesh’s ever-busy Jemaa el Fna square, costs on average USD $25, and entry to most tourist attractions is priced at between USD $5 and USD $10 only, with a few exceptions.

    If safety is the one thing keeping you from booking those flights right away, you’ll be glad to know Morocco is one of the safest destinations for Western tourists in all of Africa, being ranked a Level 2 destination by U.S. authorities. It is certainly no Iceland, but your main concern here is avoiding non-touristy suburban areas, particularly at night, and steering clear of the scammers and pickpockets, who will come in all ages.

    A view through a blue archway into the city of fes, morocco

    How To Reach Morocco From America?

    Nonstop flights to Mohammed V International, the international hub serving Casablanca, are offered from the following U.S. and Canada departure points:

    • Montreal-Trudeau (Air Canada)
    • New York-JFK (Royal Air Maroc)
    • Washington-Dulles (Royal Air Maroc)

    From the airport in Casablanca, arriving passengers can reach numerous other destinations within Morocco by rail, including Tangier, via a frequent high-speed TGV train. First-class tickets can cost, on average, USD $30 when booked in advance, and infrastructure is at par, if not better than Europe’s.

    No COVID Entry Requirements For American Tourists

    At present, there are no COVID entry requirements applying to travelers seeking entry to Morocco:

    • Vaccination requirements were lifted
    • No pre-departure testing applies
    • The Health Declaration Form has been removed

    In sum, entry is a breeze, and upon arrival, Americans are normally granted a three-month stay.

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