Tourism in Morocco. Tourist industry in Morocco. Language, currency and climate of Morocco

The fabulous Sahara desert, harsh Bedouins, sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean and singing barkhans, the legendary Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca, Tangier and their surroundings, bustling bazaars with exotic goods, delicious cuisine and colorful national traditions are all Morocco. Travel there is everyone's dream, who has read or heard about Africa. In this article, we will talk about the rest in Morocco. The subtleties of tourism will be highlighted in the most detail. It's no secret that every trip to another continent always hides a lot of surprises and surprises. For surprises to be just pleasant, you need to know what distinguishes tourism in Morocco from the same industry in other countries.

General information

Before we talk about how to behave in an African country, what sights to see and how to be in a difficult situation, let us say a few words about the beginning of Russian tourism in Morocco. History has preserved the information that the origins of friendship between our countries lead to 1777. Sultan Muhammad III bin Abdullah arrived in Russia on a friendly visit. He visited Catherine II and proposed to establish business cooperation between our country and Morocco. Tourism (in the modern sense of the word), then trade trips can not be named, but the beginning of mutual exchange was made. And where is trade, there is interest in the social order, traditions, history. Travel, excursions, souvenirs and other attributes of camping life - something that always liked the curious citizens who prefer to spend their free time with benefit and pleasure.

Modern Tourism Industry in Morocco

In the network of tourist regions of the world, Morocco entered with the development of the scientific and technological revolution. Progress in the mechanical field has led to the development of various modes of transport, as a result of which overcoming the distances of thousands of kilometers has ceased to be an obstacle for travel to countries and continents. And curiosity and a passion for the new, as is known, in people in the blood.

Residents of our country, more precisely the general public, had the opportunity to discover Morocco only after the fall of the Iron Curtain. At the same time, in 1985, the Ministry of Tourism of Morocco was established. King Hassan II blessed the government to develop measures to develop this industry and turn it into one of the main items of the treasury's income. From this, one might say, the modern history of tourism in Morocco began. The country has intensified work on creating comfortable conditions for the guests of the country. A wide modernization of the internal communication routes was carried out. New branches of railways and highways were built, connecting the most interesting places for travelers. The railway stations, air and sea ports were rebuilt and equipped with the latest technology, hotels, catering places, hammams, beaches and other tourist facilities were built.

The Tourism Authority of Morocco has developed programs for attracting foreigners on guest invitations and in short shops.

Despite the fact that Morocco has long been accustomed to guests from Europe and Asia, in order to avoid unpleasant excesses to the trip you must carefully prepare. It is advisable to learn in advance as much as possible about Morocco.

The subtleties of tourism, as experienced guides say, are the answers to always the same questions: what can and can not be done in the country you are looking for. If without knowledge of the former one can somehow manage, then without knowledge of the second it is easy to get into a difficult situation, and in some cases - even in trouble.

If the trip is organized by a travel company, then possible surprises are almost always provided. During the organizational meeting, travelers are explained by the peculiarities of the mentality of the local population and the ethical standards that are unusual for us in this country. They also tell you what can not be done to avoid being in the police. Our article is more intended for those who travel to Morocco for the first time and on their own, as they say, savage. Without knowing some of the secrets, they will not be easy.

Let's go to Morocco

The time difference between Moscow and Morocco is 2 hours. From Russia you can get into this African state only by airplane. From Moscow to Casablanca, he flies 6 hours.

With Spain, Italy and France there is a ferry service. In addition, the major cities of Morocco are connected by railways to the international airports of these countries.

As for roads, Moroccan tracks are considered to be among the best in the world. Rent a car is possible for people over 21 years old with an international driver's license and a credit card. For this reason, rental cars are often taken directly from drivers. The poor tourists use public transport, which is very cheap, and if there is a desire to experience the delights of a nomadic life, then for 10 000 dirhams (about 1000 euros) you can buy a camel and ride it all over Morocco. The subtleties of tourism in an exotic country by camel riding are limited.

Compliance with traffic rules is mandatory if there is a policeman in the field of vision of the driver of the car. In his absence, the need to comply with the law automatically disappears. This applies to large cities. Behind them, other rules apply - motorists can stand indefinitely at a crossroads, giving way to each other.

Now a few words about the local currency: one ruble is 0.15 Moroccan dirham, 1 dollar is 9.75 dirhams, 1 euro is 10.88 dirhams. All monetary transactions in Morocco can be carried out only by local currency, which is forbidden to export outside the country. Import of foreign money is not limited, but you can pay only by dirhams. Exchange points are everywhere. The course is almost the same everywhere - international. It is not worth pursuing the benefits and changing money from individuals in the markets and in the doorways. In 99% of cases you will come across a deception. In exchange offices it is necessary not to forget to take certificates and keep them until departure. They will have to be presented at the customs.

In Morocco, tourism after phosphate production is one of the main sources of income. Another item of income is the production and import of agricultural products. Maybe, therefore, rest here is considered one of the most comfortable in the world - both cheap and safe.

Another good news that can be said about the tourism of Morocco is that you do not need to issue a visa to citizens of the Russian Federation. This applies to those who do not plan to stay in the country longer than 90 days.

So that when crossing the border there are no problems with customs, you need to know that Morocco is a Muslim country, and the attitude to alcoholic drinks is special. Duty-free can only import one bottle of strong drink and one bottle of wine per adult. The number of imported tobacco products is also under control: one adult - 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

It is forbidden to import pornographic products, drugs and weapons. Professional hunting equipment and photography equipment must be declared.

From the country it is forbidden to export items that are of artistic or historical value.

East is a delicate matter

In the country, the official religion is Sunni Islam. Criminal punishment in the form of imprisonment for a period of six months to three years and a fine of 100 to 500 dirhams threatens people who propagandize any religion, except Islam, as well as those who prevent the Muslim from performing a religious ritual.

Speaking about tourism in Morocco, features related to religion, we can not fail to mention the attitude of Muslims to their hands. This issue is often ignored by travelers, but in vain.

In Islam, only the right hand is considered clean. They shake hands with each other as a sign of friendship and take food. Eat here with your hands, folding three fingers with a pinch, and a liquid dish is scooped up with a handful. Before the start of the meal, the right hand is rinsed in a bowl of rose water.

The left hand is impure. And you do not need to convince others that you are left-handed. The left hand here after the toilet washes the dirty parts of the body. Toilet paper Muslims do not use. In the desert, it replaces the sand, and in the cities - water. In the restrooms there are always pitchers with water, intended for washing after the toilet.

With a general goodwill towards the visitors, the Moroccans always respect a certain distance in their relations with them. But if you are selected and invited to visit, you can not refuse. This will be perceived as an insult. The main treat is green tea with mint. It is supposed to drink three glasses. They fill in a third of the volume, and pour from a fairly large height, so that the drink frothed.

Spa life

In Morocco, it is pleasant to relax at any time of the year.

On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean, the climate is subtropical, mild. The water temperature near the shore is usually about +20 degrees. Summer heat (up to +35) is easily transferred because of the constant cool ocean breeze. In winter, the air temperature seldom drops below +15. Rains in Morocco are uneven. In some years, precipitation does not drop out at all. In the north and in the mountains, rains happen, and several floods were recorded. In the southern part of the country, where the border is absent and lost in the sands of the Sahara, water in general is a rare value.

In the Atlas Mountains, at some peaks, snow lies for six months, and on snowless the air temperature does not exceed +15 degrees.

The local population is quite tolerant towards tourists, but familiarity, familiar pats on the shoulder and hugging here are unacceptable. Moroccans are Arabs and Berbers. Europeans (French, Portuguese and Spanish) are about 60,000, and the entire population is a little over 34 million people.

The official languages in Morocco are Arabic and Berber. In everyday life, Moroccans communicate in dialects, and in official institutions and in all tourist places, French and Spanish are accepted. English and German do not know here. It is much easier to find a Russian-speaking Moroccan - many of them studied in the USSR and Russia.

What you can not miss

Tourism Morocco is a superbly developed entertainment infrastructure with a pronounced, nationally colored flavor. Arriving in the kingdom, plan a visit to Marrakech, Tangier, Agadir, Ouarzazate, Fez, Tarfay and the Atlas Mountains.

What is the most famous tourism in Morocco? The travelers' reviews are full of delight when it comes to windsurfing. Even if you have never stood on the board, there are a lot of schools for beginners. You will learn to keep on the wave and rule the sail, as well as help to pick the right gear. Surfing can be done both in summer and in winter. In the winter, the waters of the Atlantic are noticeably jelly, so everyone skates in thermal suits, and in summer it's good. The neighborhood of Agadir, the village of Tagasut is a paradise for surfers. The height of the waves is average, the direction is right-sided. Professionals and fans of extreme sports will find for themselves spots without breakwaters, where you can fly to fly over steep ridges.

Medina

Well, what kind of tourism in Morocco without visiting the medina! This is a bazaar, an old city, a place where you can get acquainted with the traditions, material and spiritual culture of the local population. If you have not been in the medina, consider that you do not know anything about the tourism of Morocco. The tourism industry of large cities is more focused on satisfying the needs of Europeans in new and vivid impressions. Often this is not a demonstration of the national spirit, but a kitsch, an attraction, Europeanized amusements with an oriental bias. Only the medina will reveal the secrets of the Arab way of life to curious travelers, show the beauty of local art and give unique impressions.

The largest medina of Morocco is in Fez. In the 13th century it was one of the most significant cities in the world. Currently, the medina of Fez is an area with more than ten thousand narrow streets and lanes. The narrowest are not wider than a meter and a half and often end in dead ends. Without accompanying and without knowledge of the language (at least French or Spanish), the first time to go there alone is not recommended - get lost, panic, you will lose everything, God knows what it will lead to.

If you decide on an adventure, then arm yourself with the most charged smartphone with the function of "navigation". Do not forget also about the rule of the right hand, which more than once saved the lives of travelers who got into the old labyrinths.

In the center of the medina is a mosque. It is located at the intersection of the main, the widest streets.

Before going to the medina, find out in the city stores what it costs. This will help you not to buy Chinese counterfeits for fabulous money. What can you show off to your friends when you come back from Morocco? Tourism (the reviews confirm this) always imply the purchase of locally produced products. And it is very important that the national shade is preserved. Only in this case will the thing for many years arouse pleasant memories of the time spent in the edge of the Bedouins. From Morocco you need to carry items made of metal and camel skin, as well as carpets. Straight on the streets sit artisans and polished carved jugs and plates of yellow brass. Needlework is an occupation for real men. So consider the Moroccans. Embroidery, weaving from the skin, making jewelry from metal, weaving, etc. - all this is purely a male job. A woman should engage in the husband's satisfaction, the upbringing of young children, cooking and cleaning in the house.

All products of manual labor are not too expensive, as dirham is constantly becoming cheaper due to high inflation, but dealers need to talk and knock down the price.

In the medina of Fez is located the largest leather production of Morocco. In huge clay reservoirs, the skin is soaked and stained. A water mill turns millstones, grinding seeds of dyeing plants - the skin here is still stained only with natural dyes.

Main Attractions

What is good about Morocco? Attractions are close to each other. All of them are connected by excellent roads and railways. From one place to another there are comfortable buses. This type of transport is most in demand among local residents. Tickets can be bought in advance at the ticket offices of bus stations.

Travel by taxi is also quite acceptable - 1 dollar per 1 km. Suburban taxis are designed for 6 passengers. The price is negotiated before departure and is divided equally.

In the south-eastern part of Morocco, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, tourist objects of the Sahara are located. First of all, this is the valley of thousands of sand castles, or the Draa Valley. Draa - the river, the channel of which has long dried up. Here life once boiled. Numerous Berber settlements and fortresses-ksaba, surrounded by picturesque oases and sand dunes of red color, look unrealistically beautiful. This area is well known as Ait Benhattu. In these places is the mausoleum, the tomb of the holy hermit Benhatta, who lived in the Middle Ages. In the seventies of the last century, the film "Jesus of Nazareth" was shot by the great Franco Zeffirelli.

Casablanca

Who was not in Casablanca, he does not know anything about the tourism of Morocco. This city is famous for the famous Hollywood director Michael Curtis. But even if there was not his "Casablanca", we would still admire the mosque of Hasan II with the 200-meter-long minaret and the park of the League of Arab States.

Tourism Morocco is actively developing, and all of the listed objects were created and built in the last century with the observance of national traditions of architecture. There is even a modern medina (Habus quarter), built in the 30s of the last century by the French. It is a neat, a bit even a toy Arab neighborhood. Here is the Palace of the King, the Church of Notre-Dame de Lourdes and the Palace of Justice of Makhama-du-Pasha.

And who wants to plunge into the real old days, let him go to the old medina, the one that is two kilometers from the new one. There are still the customs of the ancient East. For example, if you want to buy chicken for dinner, then at your disposal are large cells with clucking kvochki. Choose any. In a few minutes the seller will scrape it and gut it. Next to it sits an old man interpreting the Koran, and around him a group of people squatted on their haunches. If you are not a Muslim, then do not settle with them - they will drive you away. Here there are wanderers with jars of clean water, merchants with silk shawls, brass bracelets and purses from camel skin.

After dinner, when the heat drops a little, it's nice to walk barefoot along the ocean coast or lie on the sand, to feel the touch of cool salty water.

Marrakesh

Marrakech is the pearl of Morocco. It is attractive with a lot of sights. They begin with the square Djema El Fna, with its unique atmosphere of bufonda, where the best artists of Morocco perform every day. Then we recommend visiting the Majorelle garden, the Menar oasis (an amazing green island with the bloody history of the cruel sultan and the concubines killed by him) and finish the stay in the city with a visit to the medina.

Even in the city you can see two once magnificent, and now dilapidated palace: El-Badi and Bahia. At one time, both facilities were looted and dismantled. But the guide will tell the story of both and devote to the secret of planning. The grandeur of the sizes and the remaining fragments of the decoration are impressive due to the complexity of the work and the high quality of the materials.

From each point of the city is visible a 77-meter minaret of the Kutubiya mosque. It, like all the other mosques in Morocco, can only be admired from afar. Not Muslims are forbidden to enter the mosque.

After a day full of impressions, it's nice to relax and get a thalasso procedure in a hammam (kind of a bath), and then drink a cup of hot tea with mint and think about where to go tomorrow - to Agadir, Volubilis, Tangier, Essaouira or Ouarzazate.