Booking Travel to Morocco? What You Need to Know

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Welcome back to another incredible episode of Destination Morocco podcast. I hear a lot of travel advisors, throughout the years, they always say the same thing. "I love to sell Morocco, but I'm always worried about X, Y, and Z." 

So most of the worries that are really based on old information. Or just outright myths. And today we're gonna talk about the most common myths about traveling to Morocco or selling Morocco to your guests or your client safety scams, difficulty, cost, and culture. So, um, we'll go through them 1, 1, 1 by one. And to do so, I have, Ted, welcome back Ted. super grateful for you.

So tell us what the listeners should expect.

TED CRAGG: Yeah.

Well we've uh, I mean, you've collected this list from, you know, conversations with travel agents and people in the industry over, over years really, and, and a lot in the last, uh, maybe few months. And so.

I'm gonna read the questions and then you [00:01:00] can answer 'em. Of course, you're the expert. we did cover a bit of this in our episode recently about just safety in

Morocco, especially with the war happening and general instability, right?

So we'll tap a bit into that again, but

Some other questions too, because we really wanted to, be

talking to the travel agents in particular, and they're the.

ones that are in turn getting questions from their clients and trying to really promote Morocco, but they need the information and to give them the confidence really to do that and to know that. You know it's safe and what people can expect. So that's basically what we're going over today. And I mean, everyone else who, who's listening just in general is a lot of good information here that I'm sure you'll find helpful too.

So Yeah.

that really ties into that first question, which is, well, the myth is

That

Morocco is dangerous for

Westerners maybe in particular.

So

What is a US State Department's current travel advisory actually say about Morocco and actually, and

how does that compare?

to popular European destinations

too? 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Sure, Absolutely. Absolutely. The US government does not consider Morocco a dangerous [00:02:00] destination or country to travel to. So for example, when you look at. You know, Moroccan comparing to Spain, to Italy, to England, they're all in the same level, by the US Department.

So that's level two. So there's level 1, 2, 3, and four. And there are a few countries that are, you know, that the list for level one is, is very small. So when you think about Italy, you think about, you know, United Kingdom, you really automatically feel safe. But then. When you have the thoughts about going to Morocco or Africa and Islamic country, it just, it just, the feeling is different even though there's no data that backs up and say, Hey, you know, it's dangerous and that, so it just, people, they just normally feel that way.

It just, it's just, um, you know, it's kind of unfortunate, but it is the truth. So when you look at, you know, the numbers and the data, Morocco is considered, uh, level two, fly zone, if you would. So, which is safe. Yeah.

TED CRAGG: Yeah, absolutely. And that comes back to how we often talk about, you know, Morocco is that bridge between Europe and Africa kind of thing. And you know, if [00:03:00] people are familiar, of course with, with Europe travel and Europe, European cultures and standards expectations, you can

Really bring that

into Morocco as well.

I mean, it's

just, it's so close. it's really right on that doorstep.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Absolutely. 

TED CRAGG: Uh, okay.

Second myth here is solo female travelers. Will they be harassed? Will they be harassed nonstop? What's that like?

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: You know, Ted, this is a really, really good question and throughout the podcast we have, uh, touched up on this many, many times, and this is the number ques the number one actually question that we get. Uh, is Morocco safe for women travelers, for solo travelers? And I've said the same thing again and again.

It is very safe for solo travelers, uh, for female travelers. Because the tourism sector, it's super important to the country, to the people of Morocco. And, and as I gave this example before, if you look at, you know, the, the family structure in Morocco, every family has at least one minimum of two people working either directly or indirectly in the tourism industry.

So it's really, really safe for women. This is [00:04:00] the, the. Part number one. Part number two, when you go to Morocco, for example, and we've had so many, solo travelers, you know, going Maxx, I mean Maxx, she went with, uh, with her friend. We have Rachel, we have Ceisha, we have Nancy. We have so many people.

And then when you ask them, it's like, oh, I felt very safe. Oh, I felt very safe. I walk by myself, you know, whether in the Medina or outside them, it's, it's very safe. And you know the reason why, because few factors in Morocco, there are checkpoints inside the city. every quarter of a mile you'll see a police car.

Whether it's an SUV with a Mercedes sprinter, and you'll see four or six police officers. So there's police presence everywhere where you go. And then when you're traveling within Morocco from city to city and you're driving, for example, Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca, the distance is two and a half hours.

There are police checkpoints. You'll be stopped at least four times before you get to your destination and they really check. So again, in terms of safety, it's, it's really a [00:05:00] myth. When it comes to solo travelers, female travelers, because Morocco is, is absolutely safe for them to travel.

TED CRAGG: Mm-hmm. is there anything advisors can say, especially to women, to potential clients that I mean about being themselves? I think it's important to emphasize, you know,

you can still be yourself, but to minimize unwanted attention and

try to thread that balance, you know.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: I would say one of the best things that the travelers can tell their client if they have a female traveler that does not really feel um, safe enough or comfortable enough, they can go in a group. You know, we do those small groups, um, and a lot of 'em are actually women traveling, you know, solo female travelers traveling, but they feel they're part of the group.

So they have that safety net in a way. But also they feel they're by themselves. They, you know, they're traveling as a solo person as well. So that's the way that I would go. Um, you know, try going on a, on a small group tour, maybe 8, 10, 12 people. Um, it's, it's, I would say if it's the first time traveling [00:06:00] to Morocco, then that's one of the best ways to go.

And then the other thing is, a few months ago Kyle traveled during, you know, the holidays by herself and now she's kind of really hooked on the part that, you know, she wants to travel by herself.

She really, really enjoyed it and it was a lot of fun. And again, the time she was there, it was, you know, during. Christmas during New Year and also during the African Cup, and it was very, very crowded. and she felt really, really safe. So, uh, you just have to trust yourself. Do your homework.

If you're traveling on your own, if you have an a, you know, travel advisor, booking for you, just, just trust their experience. They, they know exactly what to do and, and who to work with, and, and you'll be in good hands.

TED CRAGG: Yeah, that's a good point. It reminds me of, uh, with the small group tours is a great way to do it. Reminds me of, uh, our last episode there when you were talking with, uh, Kristy, Kristy Burns and,

you know, talking about the small group tour this November and just that

General idea

and,

you know, that really,

resonated with her as a great

way, especially.

if it's your first time there, then to do that small group.

You, you [00:07:00] make great friends, you know, with, uh, the people you travel with and it's a nice way to share that, but without the overwhelm of, I'm like 50 person tour, so

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: I, I totally agree. And, and the funny thing, the tour, it's still going, it's uh, November 8th 30, the 15, 20 26, you know, Kristy, and she said, Hey, I have a friend. And we talked that the three of us, and, and they wanted to go. And then I have, you know, one of the other agents, they reached out to me and said, Hey, I really like the itinerary.

And have a friend of mine. So it's, same point, solo travelers. Yeah. They're all, you know, solo travelers, but they're going as, you know, friends and they're still going on a group. So that specific tour, you know, we have, I think there's just two gentlemen that are signed up, you know, uh, Tim and me.

So the rest is women. So it's just, 

TED CRAGG: so far. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: yeah, it is.

TED CRAGG: Okay. Interesting.

Well, the next one's, uh, somewhat related to, um, specifically they're asking about the Medinas. So the Medinas are incredible. They're, you know, fascinating. It's very much Labyrinth, which I can attest to. And it's,[00:08:00]

I mean, It's.

fun to go exploring, but it really is quite easy to get lost and so. for travelers general, certainly for clients, you know, of travel agents. I mean, what should agents say to people when they're concerned about getting lost or even worse, getting scammed. So, yeah, what, how do you, how do you handle the touts, uh, in any threats in a way that is firm but respectful?

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Okay. In, in, in terms of the threats, there's, there's really no physical threats in any of the scams. Um, the only thing that it's threatened is really your, your, your, you know, your wallet. So, uh, and this is very tricky and there is some truth to this. But this is how you avoid it if you're traveling. If if booking with a travel advisor, just make sure they understand the Medina.

Because if you look at the, for example, the Medina in Marrakesh, it's a car free zone. And then there are certain times that the cars can get through. you know, we talk about, you know, tourists, for example, Mercedes printer, they can get through at some times of the [00:09:00] day. but then at some point everything is just, no cars are allowed inside the Medina.

So if they're staying in the Medina and they, riad is within maybe a five minutes walk. It's perfectly fine. If it's 10 minutes, then you, you really need to go a little bit of extra, you know, talk to the riad. If, if this is the agent, if they're booking through the agent, the agent needs to reach out to the riadand say, Hey, can I have an escort?

Can I have somebody from the riadgo in and meeting, uh, our guests, for example? And that's basically, that's the right way to do it because otherwise they're, they're probably gonna get scammed along the way. For sure. Either by the vendors putting them to buy something from them or somebody hassling them and stuff like that.

So that's the way that I would do it. If, you know, you go in with a travel advisor, if you go in on your own, just. Sometimes you see the reality, it's beautiful, but you have to look at, you know, the distance between it, and the square. how much time is it gonna take me to walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, for example, to the square?

Square is always busy. It's very safe. You're good. But then those little [00:10:00] streets, you know, like you said, it's elaborate, it's, you will get lost. I've seen people at 1:00 AM I've seen people at two in the morning, three in the morning in the Medina, just dragging their luggage. They have no clue where they are.

The real does not show up on their, you know, on their Google map. It's the wrong address. It's many things can go wrong. So, and the best way to do it, if you are traveling on your own, just coordinate. To come pick you up, for example, um, they know the landmarks in the square. They say, Hey, meet me at Café France.

Meet me at Arana. You know, cafe, there's that. You or Meet me at the post office. There's only one post office in, in the square or the police station. There's only one. It's the biggest. So make. A point where you gonna meet them, then they can escort you if it's gonna cost you the, the, you know, just tip 'em five bucks, 10 bucks and you made up their day.

So, if you're traveling or your own, that's the way that I would go. If, if you're traveling with us, everything is done for you. It's, it's, there's no worries. [00:11:00] But with the travel advisors, that's what I would definitely recommend, Because of a lot of the cars they cannot get through. And some of the riads, they're really, really nice.

But then again, you have to walk to them after the car drops you off, maybe 10 minutes, maybe 15 minutes. Just the, the, the riyad, they have those, uh, escorts. They have somebody available. They have 'em, you know, even the luggage handlers. They can come, they can get you just for letter tip. you're good.

You're in good hands. You're safe.

TED CRAGG: Yeah, that's the thing. I mean, experienced travelers would

Probably be a little more comfortable. in the Medina, but even then, you know, and, and when we were there, I mean, you know, I was experienced traveler. We hadn't been there with then I kind of traveled with kids, but regardless, it's uh. It's kind of the thing, you kind of need to experience it first in Morocco, you know, so either have an escort go with a

friend, obviously in a tour group or something like that, to really kind of acclimatize to really the intensity. It's very small alleys and you know, you kind of get off the beaten path and then you're in [00:12:00] quieter places and you're not quite sure where you are.

So it's fun. It's definitely an adventure, but you gotta be

quite prepared to navigate it.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: absolutely. Absolutely Ted. ​

I understand if you are wary about going to Morocco by yourself.

There's a lot to figure out.

It is a country 

that's not yet as familiar as those in Europe. But if the only option

is a massive group tour,

how enjoyable is that? This November,

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that big tour buses can't even reach. 

The catch? There are only 12 spots total. 

Reserve your spot right now,

at destinationsmorocco.com, [00:13:00] and join 

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​

TED CRAGG: So let's see here. The next one, um, they're talking about, oh, this is interesting. Now, Morocco, I wonder about how accurate this is like. You go back

to,

what, the sixties, the seventies Morocco kind of had this reputation like a, i, I guess a hippie paradise or

something like that. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Yep. A hundred percent, 

TED CRAGG: Yeah. And so like the myth might still prevail that, you know, Morocco is a budget destination that's only suitable for backpackers. So obviously the contrary to that would be, well, what's it like for more, you know, high budget, luxury type, accommodation and experiences and, and to travel around Morocco and have

that kind of comfort.

Can you give some examples of

that? 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: course, of course. Just to go the, the, the backpacker part because you know, we moroccans, we travel in Morocco, very different.

TED CRAGG: Hmm.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Then the audience or the, the American travelers, the Westerners, uh, north America, they travel to Morocco different. There's a little bit of backpackers, but that [00:14:00] percentage is, it's a little bit small, but the majority that they do travel, it's actually luxury because, you know, look at the flight, how much it costs, look at everything.

It it is, it is luxury. If so, it's, it's not really something. You know, a budget budget, but you can still travel on a budget to Morocco. So when you look at the demographics, for example, and I would talk a little bit about Europeans, especially the French, the Spanish, and also especially the Germans, those, they do a lot of the backpacking.

Uh, and you'll see them, especially when you go to the southern part of Morocco, you won't see them much on the north side because it's very modern. Big cities, but then when you go, for example, you know, where is that idu, you will see the tents, you'll see them just camping, just outside and, and having, having a, you know, really, really good time.

but the, travels from the us they travel very differently. And, and you remember that we have done few episodes actually about luxury and about hotels. So when you look at the, the, the, the luxury sector in terms of accommodations in, in Morocco, we have over [00:15:00] 200 international. Brands, you know, Accor, Melia, Four Seasons.

Yeah. St. Regis, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Marriott, uh, the Hilton and all those international brands. What they have done is something really, really nice. When you go to a Marriott in Morocco, it feels like you are in Morocco. 

TED CRAGG: Hmm. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: You see, but it's a Marriott. Then when you come to the US, you know it's a Marriott anywhere you go because it looks the same.

But Morocco, they're really tap into that culture part. So they still make you feel like, oh wow, this is, You're not gonna tell it's a Marriott, but say, I feel like I'm in Morocco. The hotels in Morocco are 

TED CRAGG: Oh yeah, the aesthetic. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Yeah, absolutely. So one of the biggest differences when you go, for example, to the, you know, comparing a four season in the US versus a four season in Morocco.

In Morocco, you'll see the land, it's, there's, there's abundance of land, whether it's in Marques, whether it's in Casablanca, whether it's in, in Rabat, you'll see them, they have, you know, their, the gardens are very important. and also when [00:16:00] we did the, the royal man, so now remember when we, we talked about it, it was just one location in Marakesh.

Now they have opened a second location in Casablanca.

TED CRAGG: Okay.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: And then inside the hotel there are 50 riads. I mean, it's just, it's beyond luxury. It's 

TED CRAGG: Yeah. That's interesting. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: stay there between a thousand a night to 31,000 a night. And then we have the other, hotels, they range between $500 a night to 700, uh, and all the way up to thousands of dollars.

So, yeah, there's, there's quite a bit of, you know, when it comes to luxury that you have a lot of choices, to choose from. 

TED CRAGG: Yeah. Okay, good. Hmm. All

right. This, this one's,

a common one. I'm sure people have heard that. Uh, the myth is that you can't drink alcohol. You can't eat pork, you can't, you kind of talk about this just now, but you can't find Western comforts, you know,

what is the actual legal, cultural reality of alcohol

maybe in particular in Morocco?

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: in Morocco? The legal status alcohol is for, for tourists. [00:17:00] 100%, uh, for tourist consumption. and then they have, uh, what we call which is like a small liquor stores, if you remember, we talked about it a long time ago. And those, you can find them in, you know, in certain neighborhoods.

And also, when you stand at a hotel, you have access to alcohol, the riyas, some might have, some may not have. Um, and then in the desert. You know, some way probably will have some, but if, if you're gonna go to the desert and, you know, probably you're not gonna find some, just take some with you, have it in the car, you know, just, uh, yeah.

So, but that's, the thing with alcohol. It is legal for tourists to drink it. And you'll see it at the bars, obviously. You'll see it in nightclubs, you'll see it in, in many, many places. And then in, in Ramadan, they stop it, it, it stops. It's not served for 30 days. Um, in anywhere in, in Morocco. So that's the only difference.

TED CRAGG: that mean during Ramadan?

If you're there, could you go, could you

still go to

the épicerie, the little grocery store and get a bottle of wine? Or is there's

[00:18:00] nothing at all. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: no, it's closed. They're closed. Yes. That's a really good question, Ted. 

TED CRAGG: Yeah, that's good to know. And then Besides that in general you could go to

a little corner store, get a bottle of wine, bring it back to your riad.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes. Yes. 

TED CRAGG: Okay.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Yeah. And then when it comes to, to, to eating pork, there are international cuisines in Morocco and you can find pork, you know, easier nowadays versus the past. and then we have stores like, we call em Marja or Carrefour, Uh, those, you know, they're. Really big brands, you'll have, they, they'll have pork inside because, you know, they cater to, to westerners as well.

And there's a lot of Westerners that actually live in Morocco. I mean, that's, that's their, you know, they, they either retired or they just moved to Morocco, so, they, they'll find it there as well.

TED CRAGG: Yeah, that's good to know. Okay, uh, let's see, next one here. the myth that it's either too hot or it's

Too cold to enjoy

Morocco, uh,

most of the year. Is that true? Is there only kind of a sweet spot or

could you go [00:19:00] year round?

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: can you go year round? Oh, you can go year round. Um, you know, the temperature really varies. Uh, we have four seasons, uh, throughout the country. In, in some areas it's surprising to a lot of people, it does snow in the mountains.

Then, you know, because of the weather pattern has changed in the last couple of years in Merzouga, two days ago, it didn't rain for six years. Now we had floods in the past, we had snow in the desert, which just it just looks, it looks, it looks like it's an AI image, but it's actually not an AI image. So, yeah.

But for example, you know, uh, during the spring, which is between March, may and March, you have, you know, um. Temperature between 63, 80, 81 Fahrenheit. So it's a little bit mild, sunny, really, really nice. Uh, and, and the weather very smooth. then the temperature obviously drops, you know, a little bit, at nighttime.

And then you have the summer between June and. You know, in August, and this one, this is really, really hot. So you have the temperatures, I would say between 73 and then it goes probably a hundred, uh, [00:20:00] 110, 120, uh, firm height in certain places. So this is where you really have to be. Careful June, it's, it just start to get hot.

So, uh, you can still enjoy it. You can still, you know, do either the mountains, the desert or the coastal areas. Uh, but it's not as hot as, uh, July and August. So, yeah. Then you have the R in between September and November, which is again, the temperature a little bit. Cool, little bit nice. September, obviously it's still a little bit more hot, uh, versus November.

but you know, it's a pleasant temperature similar to spring, but it's not, really, really, uh, that hot as, as the summer. Then you have the winter, which is between December and February, and again, this is get, it gets really, really cold, I would say, around mid fifties to mid sixties temperatures.

But again, depending where you at, you know, in the city, the coastal area or the mountains or the desert, the temperature will absolutely fluctuate. And as we saw last year, it was unseasonably cold and super, very, very rainy. So we had a lot of those, those floods. So, and [00:21:00] the other thing is, especially you need to watch out.

When you go into the southern part of Morocco, this is very different. Uh, you know, when you pass Aït binhaddou, sometimes you have to look at, you know, the locals, they know the weather, the, the drivers. They know the weather, you know, because that's their, you know, nick of the woods. So if they say, Hey, we just gonna stop here and wait for two hours, uh, they know exactly what they're talking.

They say, Hey, why's like there's a storm coming, it's gonna rain, there's gonna be flash floods, uh, we're just gonna wait it out. you know, just, they know, they know what to do. And sometimes, you know, even in Merzouga, you know, you know, as we saw last year, it can flood. So, uh, the, you know, local experts, experiences really, really, it makes a difference, 

TED CRAGG: Oh Yeah, for sure. Yeah, 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: absolutely.

TED CRAGG: Well, at the end of the day, I mean, you know, you, you go in whenever you can go. If people are off in the summer and that's their chance to go, you should go. You just

gotta be prepared. Do they do in the summer, like, you know, when it's really hot, kind of midday, do things kind of quiet down, people go and siesta type thing, you know?

Does that

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: [00:22:00] Oh, yes. Oh yeah. Oh, it's, it's very similar to Europe, Spain, especially Spain. When it comes to Siesta. Yes. People, they do take naps in mid days, especially the summertime, because it's really, really hot and there's nothing really to do outside everybody. They just stayed inside the houses.

Chill, you know, until you know, around maybe 5:00 PM or so, then they start going out. Yeah.

TED CRAGG: yeah. Okay. Interesting. All right, well I'll see what else we got here. Um, oh yeah. Do you

need to speak

French or Arabic.

to get by 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: That's, that's the myth. No, I totally disagree. Uh, you know, you've been to Morocco, Ted and people, they speak several languages. Uh, so we're very fortunate. Uh, French used to be very strong. Now it, there's a shift actually because, uh, now people are, you know, uh, English is definitely taking the lead.

Especially a couple years ago, the, the US government gave, uh, Morocco $250 million, um, you know, for school so they can switch from the French language to the English language. And [00:23:00] now in, during my time, we learn English in high school. So now you learn English, you know, first grade. So, you know, you know, the kids 10 years old, they speak English fluently.

Nowadays, uh, yeah. So, which is just incredible. And then when you work in the, in the tourism sector, if you're a local guide or, or a vendor in the square, you know those people, uh, I would say minimum, they speak six languages. Easy, easy. So, yeah. Yeah. It is incredible French. Yeah. It's still, it's, it's still there.

It's gonna be still strong, but it's gonna fade out probably within, I would say a generation or so. Yeah.

TED CRAGG: Yeah. Yeah. I suppose, yeah. When we were there, our driver, uh, Abdul, I think he, uh, he was much more comfortable in French than English.

So we, we would speak to him in French, but we could have done it in English. And regardless, you have your guide, your guide's gonna

be able to speak a lot, you know, basically fluent English.

And, and that's fine. And most shopkeepers and of

course in restaurants and the 

owners and so on. yeah, everyone can get by at least comfortably, if not fluently

in English, 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: [00:24:00] Absolutely. yeah. Um, okay. I know this is a common one. The food will make clients sick.

TED CRAGG: How accurate is that? 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: It's, it's, um, there's some truth to it. Mainly it's not accurate and especially if we talk about street food. Um, you know, in the past it was terrible and I've said this many times, the biggest place for street food is obviously is Marrakech, the Square, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which is just incredible nowadays.

The food is just, it is delicious. It is amazing. Because of many safety measures that, that the city has put into place. there's always checking up, you know, if it's, uh, healthy, if it's not, there's, they're always monitoring, uh, the food in the square. So I highly recommend it. The, the thing is when you taste Moroccan food, it's really, really good.

It's very tasty. But if you have a weak stomach, just don't go and dive in and just, you know, eat more than you could handle. Just take it easy for the couple first days when you get to Morocco, then afterwards the [00:25:00] food is not gonna give you any trouble. It's not gonna be any issue because you look at the meat, the meat.

Sometimes it's few hours fresh, sometimes it's a couple of days versus what we used to here in, in, in America, it's, you know, a few weeks, probably a few months, and it's been in the fridge for quite some time. So there is a difference, uh, in terms of, you know, the, the meat and the freshness, then the spices and uh, and the strength of the spices as well.

So yeah, those are the things that most likely will get you in, trouble when you, when you eat the food. So, but 

TED CRAGG: Yeah, and to be fair, I mean, you know. That's a common thing around the world of almost anywhere you go. Certainly you can imagine going to a place like Turkey or Egypt

or you name it, right? And like you always have to get acclimatized to the local

food and and stuff like that. So Morocco's nearly no different.

I think the fundamental thing is that the

Standards are still, there. The hay, the safety inspections, you know, and you just keep your wits about you. When you see a lot of people eating at a food stall or something, that's a good sign.

That means that. It's good, it's reliable, right? Don't go to [00:26:00] the place where there's no customers.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Definitely yes. And also go to the one with, with a lot of locals

TED CRAGG: Yeah. Yeah. That's a good point. Yeah. Yeah. Okay, well, let's see here. We got a couple more. Uh, the myth that it's hard to get to Morocco from the United States,

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: that that's changing. 

Yeah, you're absolutely right. It used to be true actually. in the past we only had one direct flight, from Morocco to United States, and it used to be, Casablanca to New York with Royal Air Maroc. Now we, we are super fortunate. We very, very grateful. Now, there's a lot of choices.

there are direct flights from the United States all the way to Casablanca and all the way to Marrakech, and I'll give you the rundown for both of them. Now you have daily flights. From New York, straight to Casablanca, and those flights about six to seven hours you have, Three times a week, direct flights from Washington, DC to Casablanca.

Those are about, you know, seven hours or so. And then you have Miami, direct flight from Miami to Casablanca as well. So, and [00:27:00] then, uh, those are all two Casablanca then. You know, they're gonna add another airline, June 7th, which is next month, and it's gonna be from Los Angeles all the way to Casablanca.

And this is, you know, uh, just right before the World Cup and it's gonna be incredibly helpful. So, 

because we. It is direct flight, Ted? Yes. So it's, it is, you can book it. That line is, is open. you're planning to go this year, next year, direct flight from Los Angeles to, to Casablanca. Yeah.

It's, it's there. You can book it. Now this, and again, this is three times a week. Then those, all those flights are direct to Casablanca. Now these are the flights that we have direct to Marrakesh. You have, uh, the traditional U United airline from New York to, to Marrakesh. And then you have the newest one, with Delta Airline from Atlanta, Georgia to Marrakesh.

So you really have options. You know, you want to go into Casablanca, depart from Marrakesh. It's up to, you wanna do, you know, arrival, depart in Marrakesh, arrival [00:28:00] departure, you know, Casablanca. So you really, really have quite. Options. Now, this is just direct flights. Now you can get to Morocco from the us, you know, through Canada, through Europe, through Middle East, but those are direct flights, especially for families with kids and stuff like that.

So, which is extremely, extremely important.

TED CRAGG: Yeah, that's a good point. Um, if you are in, uh, I guess Europe, if you either wanna stop over, you're there already there,

There are more flight options, right?

You could fly to F or

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Oh yes. Oh, absolutely. Yes, yes. you know, if we look at the, the airlines, especially European, there's EasyJet, it's pretty big in Morocco. Then RyanAir, it's pretty big in Morocco as well. and those within the last two years, they probably had added an additional, a minimum 30 lines from Europe to Morocco and then within Morocco.

So RyanAir, now they have added so many flights. within Morocco and year two, you know, uh, Casablanca fast, to Marrakech, uh, fast to Rashia, you know, if you go into the southern [00:29:00] part of Morocco, especially with Merzouga tour, instead of driving, you can fly in the car meets you in the rashia, they take you, if you finish your tour.

So there's, there's tons and tons of options within Morocco, inside Morocco. Then. Europe. Yes, you have, you have a lot of, options as well, you know, beside, you know, Iberia beside Air France beside Alia, beside, going through Germany, you know, Lufthansa or, or, um, British Airways. So those are the major airlines that you can still fly here from the us but then, you know, if you, in Europe, you can, you can fly direct to, to Morocco, any, any city.

Uh, there are availabilities. Yeah, for sure.

TED CRAGG: It's amazing how it's changed.

Hey, like really just the last few years?

What a change from 

10 years ago. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Yes. 

TED CRAGG: Interesting. Okay. Well, good. Um, alright. What's the last one? Uh, at least for today. this comes back, I know you get a lot of interest, of course in cultural travel, cultural immersion and things like that, which is definitely possible.

But the myth is that, well, I. I guess, is it [00:30:00] possible? Are there religious considerations? Do you, is it a very conservative kind of thing to experience? Do you have to think a lot about dress code? what activities

can people do, like hamams and even cooking classes and stuff and

feel comfortable. Right. And feel like they're welcome and it's okay.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Oh, absolutely. You know it. This is actually the number two. Question that we get all the time, um, about, you know, traveling to Morocco. so, um, people, they're really concerned when it comes to culture. They don't wanna make any, you know, faux pas, if you would. They, they, they wanna respect the culture, they wanna inspect the locals and stuff.

And I always tell them the same thing where, what makes you feel comfortable? you know, like I said, you know, we depend heavily on tourism, you know, it is a massive income. But just to give you the, the, the numbers, uh, you know, last year in 2025, Morocco again was the second time the number one destination in Africa.

The first time was 2024 with 17.4 million 20 25, 18.9 [00:31:00] million. Egypt came in second, and then you look at the numbers, they did 138 billion durams, uh, which is the local currency. So if you, converter in the US dollars, it's $13.4 billion. So it is a multi-billion dollar industry.

So we have to pamper everybody that goes to Morocco. This comes, you know, from his majesty to the government, to all of us. So tourism is. Extremely important to Morocco. And then even the first quarter of 2026, we have seen that it has increased about 7% versus 2025. So the numbers are there. The numbers are really, really good.

They're encouraging everything that is happening to the Middle East. People are switching destinations. You know, they have that week vacation, they have that 10 day vacation. Now they're changing and coming to Morocco versus just canceling or you know, doing something else. So.

TED CRAGG: that's a good point.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Yeah, and, and you know, I talk about this, especially for trial advisors.

If, if you're not selling Morocco, you're really, really missing out in many different ways [00:32:00] because, we just did the African Cup 2025. Then we have another one big event in 2029. Then we have the biggest event, which is, uh, the World Cup in 2030 with Spain and Portugal. Morocco has already, you know, proven that they can, organize big events like they did with the, the African Cup.

So, you need to get yourself ready and your clients, because they're gonna be asking about Morocco and when the time comes, you're not gonna have any idea what they're talking about and so forth. So just to give you, in terms of the numbers, you know, this is by United Nation Tourism. Morocco is number one.

18.9 million. Egypt was number two with 18 million. Number three was, uh, was Tunisia with 8.9 million. Then, um, it was South Africa, I think it was four something million. Then Kenya with two something million. So if you look at the whole continent as Africa, they, last year they had over almost 82 million visitors.

So the tourism in Africa is getting bigger and bigger and bigger, um, and you're really missing out. If [00:33:00] you're just, if you're not doing Africa at all, or if you're just skipping Morocco because it's, it's, difficult for you to sell it. we are here for you. We are an extension of you. You don't have to be an expert in Morocco to sell it.

we'll help you with that. So, 

TED CRAGG: yeah,

Well, there you go. I mean, and so it's like almost a quarter of all visits to Africa.

are going to Morocco. That shows you the demand, right? The

interest, 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: And also, just to give you another, another, some numbers as well, Ted, when you look at the, we talked about the US market and we talked about the, the, the US travelers and how they travel. In the last two years, it has increased, the tourists from United States, Americans. it has increased in the last three years, 40%.

TED CRAGG: Hmm.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: And, and if we look at, you know, three years, which means remember the World Cup in Qatar and what it did in Morocco, because they went all the way to the semi-finals, that was the biggest media coverage, uh, for free. And they, they, they so much boost because everybody was like, what is Morocco? Where is Morocco?

And you know, [00:34:00] because we were the underdogs and we gained, you know, respect from a lot of people and a lot of people, they were actually. talking about Morocco, visit Morocco and so forth. So it's gonna, the same thing is gonna happen in the US and then, you know, again, you don't want to really miss that train.

So, 

TED CRAGG: yeah.

Well, that's great.

Okay. So, uh, if, uh, obviously for all the travel agents listening, people working in the

Industry. if they have more questions. which they Probably do.

how

Can

they reach you Azdean and follow up?

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: you know the best way? Go to the website, destinations morocco.com. Just set up a discovery call. You don't have to have anybody going to Morocco, I promise you set up that call. It will be worth it for you. We'll answer a lot. All of your questions, will make you excited, will make you wanna sell Morocco.

Trust me. It, it'll be fun. Yeah.

TED CRAGG: Nice. Yeah, so free call. Check that out. And a reminder again, you've got a great tour coming up this November.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Absolutely. November 8th through the 15, it's, we're gonna do the Imperial Series tour, which is the north side of Morocco, and it's got. Tremendous, [00:35:00] tremendous value. I cannot, you know, I, I highly, highly recommend it. It's got, you know, welcoming dinner. It's got, a farewell dinner. Normally we don't include the dinners in the itinerary.

It's got breakfast every day. You have, you know, we, it's gonna be us. It's gonna be a lot of fun. You know, car and driver will be in a sprinter. it's gonna be incredible. So if you have an opportunity to join, it's only 1995. Don't miss it. 

TED CRAGG: Great price. Yeah. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: you. Thank you. 

TED CRAGG: Yeah. And, and again, the real emphasizing the, the small group experience, right?

That you go in with, uh, you know, a dozen strangers or so, and they become some of your best friends and you share this amazing experience together. It's a wonderful thing. I,

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: A hundred percent. Yeah, absolutely. Perfect.

TED CRAGG: Well, that was great fun conversation.

It's always nice to be here and 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Thank you 

TED CRAGG: I'm sure we'll do it again. 

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: Absolutely. Thank you so much. We really, really appreciate you joining us today. Stay tuned. Uh, more to come.

 You've heard the stories from the travelers here at the podcast. You've felt the [00:36:00] rhythm of the Medina through your headphones.

AZDEAN ELMOUSTAQUIM: And now,

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