Travel Counsellors uncover the magic of Marrakech

Travel Counsellors descended on Morocco last week for an extensive, activity-packed fam trip that provided deep insights into the country’s tourism products and potential.

The five-day adventure saw more than 40 UK-based Travel Counsellors visit Marrakech, the legendary “Red City”, discovering some of its extensive accommodation options and activities, before heading into the cool Atlas Mountains and finally to the charming resort city of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast.

For foreign travellers, Marrakech holds an almost mystical, otherworldly charm; conjuring up images of bustling souks with labyrinthine alleyways, alive with the clamour and chatter of ancient trade. These romantic visions remain true to this day, and once visitors enter the 11th Century city walls, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina is a throwback to another age – a vibrant marketplace that stimulates every sense with its colours, aromas and constant cacophony.

It can also be disorienting, with its maze of narrow streets, but the sheer beauty and range of goods on offer – from fragrant herbs and spices to handmade silks and rugs, ornate jewellery to colourful ceramics – ensures that visitors’ paths are guided not by set routes or directions, but by the pull of the next exotic sight, sound or smell.

For some potential visitors, the thought such tight confines can be unnerving, but concerns often disappear once they arrive in the souk. The only minor danger here comes with a warning sound – usually a tinkling bell – as cyclists urge unsuspecting tourists to clear the path. In terms of safety, Marrakech’s medina seems to contain an inner peace that belies its hectic outer appearance.

Having visited the medina during their time in Marrakech, the Travel Counsellors told Travel Daily about their experiences.

“I was surprised by how safe I felt walking around the souks,” said Jill Chamberlain. “It was great to go at night and experience the different sounds, smells and culture of Marrakech.”

Eva Adams added; “People were really friendly in the souks. It wasn’t really ‘in your face’; you could walk about freely and if you liked something you could go into the shop. There wasn’t really a hard sell.”

But for first-time travellers still nervous about visiting the souks on their own, Travel Counsellor Becky Stephenson said she would recommend a guided tour, which not only provides a reassuring companion, but also a means of navigating the winding streets.

Exiting the souk, visitors can view the Koutoubia Mosque, with its soaring 77-metre-high minaret – the highest point in the city – before entering the vast, vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. Reputed to be the busiest square in Africa, this ancient marketplace teems with life. Crowds gather around snake charmers, story-tellers and magicians, whilst smoke from food stalls billows into the sky, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Marrakech, of course, is more than its medina; the Red City is home to more than one million people, and its picturesque low-rise cityscape fans out like a beautiful terracotta mosaic, punctuated with splashes of green from the parks and palms that line the city’s avenues.

This charming cityscape is first – and best – seen from the window of the plane as you descend into the impressive Marrakech Menara International Airport, which is nestled conveniently within the confines of the city. Flying low above the red rooftops and rising minarets, this approach heightens the sense of anticipation for incoming visitors and creates a wonderful first impression.

During their time in Marrakech, Travel Counsellors stayed at the Mövenpick Hotel Mansur Eddahbi Marrakech, a luxury resort-hotel located in the newer part of the city, yet easily accessible from its ancient heart. This 503-room property is attached to the Palais de Congress – one of Africa’s largest conference centres, which hosted the recent COP 22 global climate change summit. CLICK HERE to read Travel Daily’s review of the Mövenpick Hotel Mansur Eddahbi Marrakech.

They also visited The Royal Mansour and Royal Palm Marrakech, and reviews of these hotels will follow in the coming days.

Part two of the Travel Counsellors fam trip to Marrakech continues in tomorrow’s edition of Travel Daily UK.

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The Visit Morocco fam trip took place from 22-26 March 2017, with 41 UK-based Travel Counsellors visiting Marrakech and Essaouira. To view all the photos from the trip and to watch video testimonials from the TCs themselves, CLICK HERE and visit Travel Daily Media’s Facebook page.