Journey Beyond Travel, LLC - Morocco Tours

Each group member, made up of non-traditional students who attend school after their working hours, have received US $3000 and a trip to Morocco in May of 2007 to present their ideas to tourism officials. The team is made of up Jodi Tripp, Kelly Carpenter, Cory Kusleika, Aretha Prodjinotho, and Nanci Borg. Ms. Heather Nelson, their business professor, claims that it was their team’s non-traditional, yet real world approach that greatly her group.

The team ventured to San Diego as a part of the final round in order to present their marketing plan. The team decided that they should focus on Morocco’s handcrafts, along with works in stone and marble. The Moroccan American Trade and Investment Council, or MATIC, paid for the competition in order to see what real-world theories might be applied to Morocco.

With only US $1 million in "fake" money to work with, the team had to construe a plan that took into consideration the Free Trade Agreement that will be implemented over the next several months between the U.S. and Morocco. The students are going to meet the ambassador to Morocco when they visit this May, along with top tourism officials in the country. The group is still surprised at their success and now they are preparing for their presentation that might just impact how future trade and business relations will work between the two countries that have always claimed the other as a solemn “friend”.

Brought to you by: Morocco News by Journey Beyond Travel
Source: Daily Nonpareil 2006

Over the last few years, plastic surgery prices have gotten lower and the number of patients going under the knife has tripled. Some undergo size reductions, while others are in search of that perfect body. Because of media and the accessibility of doctors to the middle classes, undergoing such an operation has never been more desired or easier.

And, just like attempting to bargain at the local market in Morocco for your favorite spices, you can haggle with the doctor to come to an agreement on price. Prices range from US $1000 to US $ 5,000 for different types of operations. And, best of all, Moroccans who cannot afford the surgery right away can apply for credit – yes, banks give credit for those who might dream of double DDs!

Some companies abroad are offering Morocco tours that include a deal on plastic surgery operations. Now, in one day you might theoretically swim in the ocean, get a new nose, and ride a camel into the sunset.

The rise in plastic surgery in Morocco is also bringing other benefits. Those who study in the field are finding that their interests lay in dermatology, for example. These students might go on to work in burn units, helping others recover and lead productive lives after trauma.

Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel

Source: Magharebia

According to the Maghreb Arabe Presse, the conference is set to take place in Ifrane, Morocco, where the country’s largest ski resort is located with a backdrop of cedar forests. The goal of the workshop is to start the process of setting up central and regional groups to monitor what takes place in Morocco’s prisons. The ultimate goal is to work towards helping inmates be re-introduced as productive members of society.

Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bouzoubaa stated in a speech read by the justice department that Morocco’s prison systems are working towards educating their staff about respecting human dignity, so that those incarcerated will feel like there is a positive end goal to their situation.

Amnesty International Country Director in Morocco, Mohammed Sektaoui stated that Morocco is showing great improvements and continued will towards making Morocco a country where human rights are respected on all levels. He says that it is an “irreversible choice”.

Amnesty and Moroccan representatives are working during this three-day workshop to coincide with the National Action Plan for the Promoting of the Human Rights Culture in Morocco.

Sign up here to support the endeavors of Amnesty International.

Brought to you by: Journey Beyond Travel

Source: Maghreb Arabe Presse

Once in Morocco, known as “the gateway into Africa”, the teams’ challenges will really begin. Not only do they have to show proof to the local police and military, they will have to speed along Morocco’s coastline through Rabat, Casablanca, the small town of Essaouira, Agadir, and into the Morocco’s Western Sahara as they make their way towards Mauritania. While the threat of mosquitoes, violence, or in fact much disturbance at all during their drive through the Morocco is nil, teams will really have to proceed with caution once they hit the border of the lower African nations. Mauritania, for instance, is still ridden with landmines and many drivers are hiring guides to lead them through the more dangerous areas.

The race, which in actuality is “The Anti-Dakar Rally,” is a grassroots protest against the Paris to Dakar Rally, which costs millions and doesn’t bring any real-world benefits to the citizens of the countries involved. One motto of the race is that “Rules are Made to be Broken”.

The prize for winning isn’t really a prize at all. In fact, winners are those whose cars finally make it into Gambia. Once there, the cars are auctioned in order to raise money for the hospital. While mainly Europeans enter the rally, only this year is a team from Canada has entered. The couple claims that their supply chest consists of books and pancake mix with assorted varieties of maple syrup. Others are bringing along duct tape, rope, and mosquito nets.

Before crossing into Morocco, teams are allowed a night’s rest in Tarifa, Spain, where participating hotels have welcomed the contestants with open arms. Before the trip, participants should consult a Morocco travel guide to know what to expect along the journey through Morocco.

Source: Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun

Morocco has recently released it plans called Vision 2010, which hopes to help bring nearly 10 million tourists a year. The motto of Vision 2010 is “A Shared Vision, Committed Operators,” who will work to promote not only responsible tourism, but also awareness on how outsiders can help and learn from the developing nation.

This statement from the Tourism Minister comes nearly one month after the Moroccan government stated that it is going to impose fines on foreign investors who do not build their rooms as fast as their contracts stipulate. Morocco is in need of assurance that these outside investors push to have these rooms finished, and finished fast. With a needed 15,000 beds per year, the benchmark of 230,000 beds by 2010 will not be met at the current rate of production.

Additionally, with the influx of various types of travelers now venturing to North Africa on budget airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet, quality units are surpassing the prices in Europe for a decent bed. “Marrakesh, in the 1960s was known as a farfetched destination accessible only to those far-flung hippies willing to travel the distance,” says Journey Beyond Travel, Morocco tour operators doing active,cultural trips in Morocco. “We now see an influx of flashpackers who no longer don a backpack, but who bring their overstuffed suitcases to the city for only a few exotic days.” Morocco needs to make sure that they keep their targeted audience widespread, inviting all sorts of different travelers to the country. Whether a traveler wants to live it up in a five-star Moroccan resort, or sleep amongst the Berbers in the High Atlas Mountains, the Ministry of Tourism and the country as a whole need to ensure that it safeguards its charm and allure, and uses that to promote responsible tourism throughout its vast geographic regions.

The best times to surf Morocco are during the winter months. While the water is of course colder, the swells come through from November until March where you’ll find point breaks, especially near Agadir. For those more adventurous, Anchor Point, just north of the city, offers nice swells from December through February.



Web forums and other websites discuss both the positive and negative aspects of surfing in Morocco. Journey Beyond Travel a website dedicated to Morocco travel, lists the positive and negative points about surfing in North Africa’s most accessible nation.

The positive points were:

• uncrowded beaches
  
• good weather
  
• stellar point breaks
  
• plenty of hidden beaches
  
• consistent waves
  
• cheap hotels and food
  
• friendly locals
  

The negative points were :

• limited local travel options
  
• getting sick from the food
  
• minor hassle & theft
  

Just south of Agadir, U.S. servicemen taught the local population about surfing, and now every adolescents’ bedroom walls are covered with surf magazine cut-outs. Surf camps and shops align the area offering overlooking some of the best and most consistent waves. The most popular location is Taghazoute, a classic, one-lane town alive because of surfing. Due to its popularity, the beach does get a bit more crowded with foreigners and Moroccans alike than others. But, for a surfer, it is indeed a Mecca due to several of its world-class breaks.

If you would like to try the newest fad of kite surfing or the aged art of wind surfing, head to the beaches of Essaouira. In Essaouira and Sidi Kaoki the wind blows its strongest currents over what has been dubbed the wind capital of Africa. Here, strewn along the beaches’ upper sand banks are numerous foreign and local companies who are willing to teach you their art. On the downside, prices for learning now compete with those of Europe due to this outside influence. Prices in Essaouira are now given in Euros instead of the Moroccan Dirham, and you are charged by the hour or by the day. However, it still might be cheaper than taking lessons in Tarifa, Spain. On the up side, the local Moroccan instructors are now internationally certified through foreign companies, and the places they work for are always upgrading their material; not to mention the cheaper cost of living in Morocco compared to Europe.

If you are planning on spending a few days near Rabat, north of Casablanca, then visit the Oudayas Surf Club, near the Kasbah des Oudayas. The current King Mohammed VI is its president and in his younger days would frequent the area to surf and jet ski. While the water in the area isn’t the cleanest, the waves are spectacular. There are plenty of beaches close to Rabat that are also surfing hot spots. Head south of Rabat to the beaches of Oued Cherrat or Skhirat. Or, head north to Mehdia or Nations beach near Kenitra.

Best Beaches for Surfing :

• Taghazoute
  
• Agadir
  
• Mirleft
  
• Sidi Ifni
  
• Rabat
  
• Kenitra
  
• Moulay Bousselham
  
• Asilah
  
• Essaouira & Walidia (wind & kite surfing)
  
  This Morocco surfing report brought to you by the Morocco News team at Journey Beyond Travel.
  
  

Apart from the pleasant weather, amazing landscapes, genuine hospitality, and mouth-watering food, Morocco is popular mainly because of its diverse geography.



Any time a scene involving the desert or Arabs need to be filmed, Morocco is the number one destination for film producers. Morocco is a country that still looks like an Arab country in most parts, unlike Saudi Arabia or other parts of the Middle East. It’s also much closer to North America and Western Europe, and because it’s a kingdom, safety and security is a priority.

While Ourzazate boasts two film studios, the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the High Atlas Mountains, and other destinations around the country have also proved ideal for scenes other than those relating to the desert or Arabs.

Ever since Gladiator and Black Hawk Down were filmed in the 90s, the infrastructure for filming has strengthened. In fact, in some places, you may have 4 big films being shot at the same time! In any event, don’t forget to check out the latest film Babel, featuring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. This multinarrative film is a modern rendition of the biblical myth of Babel. In the film, the myth is related on three different continents. One story takes place in Mexico, one in Japan, and one features an American couple (Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett) who travel to Morocco. However distinct the three stories are, they are all intertwined and worth a trip to the movie theater and perhaps even a visit to Morocco!

Winston Churchill gave his painting as a gift to General George Marshall and was sold by his great-granddaughter named Kitty Winn, an American actress. Most guessed that the painting would fetch around US $500,000. The final auction price was a surprise to most involved.



His other painting, actually of Marrakesh, called Palms Near Marrakesh sold for US $450,000 just one month ago.

A View of Tinherir remained with the family for well over three generations. The painting came as a gift from Churchill who called General Marshall "the last great American".

No one even knew the painting existed before it came onto the market. Marshall's wife responded by writing to Churchill by stating, "It has added so much to the beauty of our drawing room and has a place of honor".

The concert will bring together 60 musicians from around the country, including the Modern Arab Orchestra of Casablanca and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Morocco, who will take the stage with Jarre.

Jarre has staged massive concerts (free to the public) in the four corners of the globe, and has been in the Guinness Book of World Records for his spectacular outdoor concerts equipped with lasers, lighting, and fireworks that have attracted millions of music fans around the world. He is a goodwill ambassador for UNESCO and promotes their causes through such events.



Jarre’s aim with this concert is to raise global awareness of the importance and scarcity of water. He says, “We want this concert to be a wake up call. We want to make people more aware of just how precious water is and the critical need to look after what we have. If everybody understood just how little water the earth has, or how many people are going without it – and dying as a result – or how much of it is being wasted, we might be able to find better ways of managing and sharing it. The problem of desertification is intimately linked to this situation and also requires urgent action.”

The UN World Water Development Report published by UNESCO states some alarming statistics:

-- 1.1 billion people do not have access to sufficient quantities of drinking water;
-- 2.6 billion people have no access to basic sanitation;
-- 6,000 children die every day because they lack of drinking water or insufficient hygiene;
-- In Africa and Asia, women travel an average eight kilometers daily to access fresh water;
-- The average African lives on less than 20 litres of water a day, while the average European consumes more than 150 litres daily and North Americans, 300 litres.
-- Four million hectares, or about one third of the planet’s land surface, are threatened by desertification.

Sources:
Maghreb Arabe Presse
UNESCO.org